Gravesend Bunker

By Victor Smith

One of the aspirations of the Society’s Historic Defences Committee is to secure publication of unpublished findings from the earlier research and investigation of selected historic military and civil defence sites in Kent. Several locations in East and North-West Kent have been short-listed as candidates. The first of these to be worked on is the Cold War Civil Defence Control Centre at Woodlands Park, Gravesend for which, at present, there is only a visitor booklet.

This underground reinforced concrete bunker is owned by Gravesham Borough Council. It was built in 1954 and is an interesting example of one of the first generation of the control centres brought into use in the Cold War. It is also among a minority of new-builds in out of town settings, the majority at this period being re-activated Second World War accommodation beneath or next to council offices.

The heritage potential of the bunker was recognised in the early 1990s. Then, in partnership with Gravesham Borough Council, the New Tavern Fort Project (renamed Thames Defence Heritage in 2000) began to refurbish and re-equip its rooms for public access. At times the process of obtaining the items to achieve refurnishing involved epic exertions and much ingenuity, a story in itself. Having historically researched the layouts (often informed by good-quality contemporary recollections), by 2000, the bunker received the first visitors. In 2004, the 50th anniversary of the building of the bunker, there was a television-covered ceremonial opening attended by its constructor, the late George Rattray and, remarkably, by Pavel Andreyev, Attaché from the Russian Embassy. Thanks to the intervention of Adam Holloway MP, the bunker later acquired from the Royal Air Force a nuclear bomb casing. This is of monumental size and asserts to visitors its thought-provoking and menacing presence and meaning. Through careful and sensitive handling, based on continuing research, including the all-important small details, the 50s and very early 60s ambience was completed. This had much in common with the appearance of such command posts in the 1940s. So much so was this that it became used for part of the setting of the Second World War film ‘Age of Heroes’ (2011), starring Sean Bean, James D’Arcy and Danny Dyer. There was also a part for a member of council staff.

Because of its special historical interest and value, the writer was able to secure the bunker’s inclusion as a Listed Building in 2013. Not only does this confer much-deserved heritage recognition but puts in place appropriate statutory safeguards.

Unfortunately, subsequent episodes of flooding led to its closure to visitors and the removal of contents into storage to allow remedial works to be undertaken and, afterwards, for drying out. These works, organised by Gravesham Borough Council, are understood to be underway. It is hoped that before long the bunker may re-open, with its layout and ambience restored.

Meanwhile, the research from earlier years is being enhanced with further investigation. The first stage of reporting, with the findings contextualised, is well underway. It is hoped that this will lead to completion and submission to an academic journal some time in 2016. This may also provide the material for the production of a new presentation aimed at a public readership.

Victor Smith is Chair of the Society’s Historic Defences Committee and was formerly the Director of Thames Defence Heritage.