Introduction

This is a technical visit to a Secret Nuclear Bunker that was built after World War II. Delegates will get the opportunity to view some of the original documents and charts dating from the 1950s, for example, the wiring diagrams relating to the site.

Up to 80 ft below the Essex Countryside lies the heart of the Kelvdon Hatch bunker. In the time of nuclear attacks a representative of every level of government from the armed forces to the ministry of social security would have had a role in the bunker. As a Regional Government HQ, a cabinet minister would assume the role of Commissioner with the power of life and death.

The Bunker was designed for up to 600 military and civilian personnel, possibly even the Prime Minister. The collective task of inhabitants would have been to organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.

This tour will cover the fascinating history of the site, including the three lives of the bunker. Its first role was as an RAF ROTOR Station. Then, for a brief period, the bunker was used as a civil defence centre. Most recently it has been used as a Regional Government HQ.

For more information on the bunker, please visit the official website.