Underground tunnels between Folkestone and Dover
Jules
Jules
Adrian Littler wrote in message <35CEB341...@bt.net>...
>
>
>There are some numbered and well secured tunnels between Folkestone and
>Dover. They start pretty much at the base of the cliffs and are fairly
>regularly spaced along a good stretch of the coastline.
>
>Does anybody know what their purpose is?
>
>Adey
>
Blue Ice
The original tunnels date back to the war,where they used to run from Dover
Castle
to what was called the Western Heights,(later this was changed into a
Borstal).They were also linked into Folkestone. The reason for the tunnels
was to store annumition
and to also billet the troops that where stationed there during the war. In
the 70s most of the tunnels where restored,this was in case there would be
a Nuclear threat to Britain,where London would be the target,then the
goverment would move to the tunnels,and so still run the country. As far as
i am aware,the tunnels still exits to this day for that purpose,and they
are inspected regularly by the M.O.D. To see inside i think you would need
a security pass of the M.O.D. and that is very unlikely to the ordinary
chap in the street.
The reason i know this is that i was brought up in Dover and explored the
moats and tunnels when i was a nipper,and i even did some work in the
tunnels when i used to work for the ministry of defence,but that was some
30 yrs ago,and i have been long gone from Dover/Folkestone since :-))))))))
Hope this helps
--
BFN........Blue Ice
http://wkweb5.cableinet.co.uk/phil.w
Adrian Littler <adrian....@bt.net> wrote in article
Liam Gretton
<URL:mailto:phi...@cableinet.co.uk> wrote:
> Lets see if i can get this right.
> The original tunnels date back to the war,where they used to run from Dover
> Castle to what was called the Western Heights,(later this was changed into
> a Borstal).
You mean the tunnels run right into town and back up towards the Heights?
Wow.
> The reason i know this is that i was brought up in Dover and explored the
> moats and tunnels when i was a nipper
Me too, though I never did find any really interesting tunnels. I did manage
to scale the Castle wall (over by where it overlooks the entrance to the
Eastern Docks - very very scary) two days before the bloody Queen Mother was
due to visit. This didn't impress the local police, I can tell you; they had
absolutely NO sense of humour about it.
--
Liam Gretton
li...@binliner.demon.co.uk
l...@star.le.ac.uk
Dick G0BPS
<li...@binliner.demon.co.uk> writes
>In article <01bdc4a0$3b22f4c0$659a75c2@philips>, Blue Ice
><URL:mailto:phi...@cableinet.co.uk> wrote:
>> Lets see if i can get this right.
>> The original tunnels date back to the war,where they used to run from Dover
>> Castle to what was called the Western Heights,(later this was changed into
>> a Borstal).
>
>You mean the tunnels run right into town and back up towards the Heights?
>Wow.
Having explored many of the tunnels both as a boy and later as a fireman
I can confirm that there are a multiude of tunnels both under the
present prison (Western Heights) and the 'Drop Redoubt'
There are also miles & miles of tunnels under the castle, many dug by
Napoleonic prisoners of war. (I've seen their graffity!)
The government buyildings referred to were not at Western Heights but
under the castle. Known as the 'Regional Seat of Government' (RSG) in
the case of losing London.
There is a complete telephone exchange, hospital, dormitories and much,
much more down there. Even a 'war table' showing the coast of France &
England.
During the late 60's and early 70's the only way in was via a long
staircase (circular) or a small lift. (we used the lift).
Much of it is now open to the public.
That under the prison is still cut off but crafty people may gain access
as I did in the 50's.
Tunnels also run under Dover from Western Heights to the Castle and also
inland from the Castle.
Hope this helps.
>
--
Dick Pascoe G0BPS
Kanga Products
Seaview House, Crete Road East
Folkestone CT18 7EG U.K.
Tel 44 (0) 1303 891106
http://www.kanga.demon.co.uk
Liam Gretton
<URL:mailto:Di...@kanga.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> I can confirm that there are a multiude of tunnels both under the
> present prison (Western Heights) and the 'Drop Redoubt'
>
> There are also miles & miles of tunnels under the castle, many dug by
> Napoleonic prisoners of war. (I've seen their graffity!)
I've seen many of these. I've visited the Castle tunnels as a kosher visitor,
but I've done a bit of exploring of the Drop Redouby myself ;-)
Incidentally, last time I was near the Drop Redoubt (back in Easter, I
think), there were some workmen working on the access bridge to the main
entrance. Is it finally being opened to the public?
> Tunnels also run under Dover from Western Heights to the Castle and also
> inland from the Castle.
Next time I'm down there I'll have my torch handy! I've been meaning to visit
Dick G0BPS
<li...@binliner.demon.co.uk> writes
>In article <hnPx$NARcG...@kanga.demon.co.uk>, Dick G0BPS
><URL:mailto:Di...@kanga.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>> I can confirm that there are a multiude of tunnels both under the
>> present prison (Western Heights) and the 'Drop Redoubt'
>
>> Tunnels also run under Dover from Western Heights to the Castle and also
>> inland from the Castle.
>
>Next time I'm down there I'll have my torch handy! I've been meaning to visit
>
You'll have trouble finding them. Most have been blocked to stop
children getting in or roof cave-ins have blocked them. They have not
been maintained and are in VERY poor condition.
During the early 1980's we tried to survey some and found most
dangerous.
Keep clear is my advice.
TTFN ..
--
Dick