Copyright © undergroundkent.co.uk 2002-2012

CLARENDON HOUSE SCHOOL AIR RAID SHELTER

Many Luftwaffe bombers that were unable to reach their target of London would simply release their bombs wherever they were. As Ramsgate was directly in the Luftwaffe's flight path, this put the town at huge risk and quick access to air raid shelters was vital. Many schools had air raid protection.

Most school air raid shelters were built of a typical cut and cover method - some were little more than reinforced rooms. Others were purpose built structures, but even that comprised of little more than trenches with secure roofs, or walls of soil and sandbags.

This air raid shelter is very different to other ones that we have been to. This one is on two levels, the lower one being much older, possibly even First World War.

Location: Ramsgate

Condition:

Date Of Visit: 15/06/08

Plan: No

Report: No

More Info: Now sealed

Other Sites in the Area:

Ramsgate Air Raid Shelter, Ellington Girls School Air Raid Shelter

Under the lid of the escape hatch, the mechanism to the right would have flipped the lid open.

Inside the top level.

The shelter is a typical concrete cut and cover structure.

Toilet cubicles, privacy would have been given by curtains.

Still on the top level.

One of the entrances.

Steps leading to the lower section.

The older part of the air raid shelter, with seating to the right.

The older part of the air raid shelter.

Back on the top level, a water pump to keep the shelter dry, which would have been operated manually.