Copyright © undergroundkent.co.uk 2002-2012

WESTWOOD QUARRY, ROYAL ENFIELD

This structure began as a tunnel system in a quarry. During the Second World war it served two purposes; one section housed national treasures of great value. It was rumoured that the Crown Jewels were kept here with the area totally secure and even boasting one of the earliest smoke detectors. This area is now not accessible. Another area was used for the building of Royal Enfield motor cycles. The people who worked in both sections used a common entrance.

The Enfield section used for the motorbikes was one of the 'Shadow' factories protecting vital war efforts from bombing. Short Brothers, Rover and Enfield were the three main underground factories. They are known to us now as Shorts, Drakelowe, and Enfield. Enfield was still in use until the beginning of the 90's.

Location: Isle of Wight

Condition: Poor

Date Of Visit: 27/12/05

Plan: No

Report: No

Other Sites in the Area:

Monkton Farleigh Underground Ammunition Depot, Ridge Quarry, Westwood Quarry, Box Mine, MF Sidings

An ‘Emergency Exit’ sign pointing the way out from the Enfield section.

Top of the shared slope shaft.

At the terminus between the ‘Arc Mine’ and ‘Wansdyke Security’.

Westwood Substation.

Enfield upper section.

Charging station in the gas testing shack located in the middle of the Arc mine.

One of the old hand washing sinks in the Enfield section.

More views inside the complex.

More views inside the complex.

Lower Enfield. Many fittings are still in place.

Part of the WWII substation.