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SLADE SCHOOL

Many Luftwaffe bombers that were unable to reach their target of London would simply release their bombs wherever they were. As Tonbridge 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 such as Slade School had air raid protection on the premises and in the case of Slade School there were in fact two shelters. The smaller of the two shelters has since been used as the area through which plumbing and heating to the school has been provided. The larger shelter remained untouched following the end of the war and was only recently uncovered while building work at the school was undertaken. It has now been resealed.

Location: Tonbridge

Condition: Poor

Date Of Visit: 21/01/07

Plan: No

Video: No

Report: No

More Info: On private land

Under the lid of the escape hatch. The mechanism at the bottom would have flipped the lid open.

SLADE SCHOOL AIR RAID SHELTER

The lid to the escape hatch with the opening levers still in good condition.

Inside the shelter. It is a typical concrete cut and cover structure.

Accumulated rainwater has filled the shelter over the years to an average depth of around three inches.

Wooden shutter that would have been positioned close to the entrance of the shelter.

A water pump that would have been operated manually to keep the shelter dry.

The original hand rails show where the steps would have been.

Work on the school above has caused structural damage to the shelter in this area.