Monument record MLI125195 - Royal Observer Corps Post, Claypole
Summary
Former Royal Observer Corps post at Claypole. Opened in 1960, and closed in 1991, though still extant.
Type and Period (1)
- ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS MONITORING POST (Mid 20th Century to 21st Century - 1960 AD to 2050 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
A former Royal Observer Corps underground observation post is located to the south of Claypole. The posts were built during the Cold War, as part of a national system to provide civil and military authorities with essential information in the event of a nuclear attack. The posts were equipped with a variety of scientific and meteorological instruments, with their primary function being to monitor and record the position and strength of any nearby nuclear strikes, and the subsequent passage of radioactive fallout in the area. This information would be passed to regional and national headquarters of the United Kingdom Warning and Monitoring Organisation, assisting and informing the national authorities to co-ordinate any appropriate responses.
This particular post is believed to have been opened in 1960. Access was through a 2ft square hatch on the surface, where an associated air vent can also be seen. A ladder would lead down the concrete shaft to two rooms; the first being quite small and used to house the chemical toilet. The second, much larger monitoring room measured approximately 15' by 7'6'', and would have been staffed by three observers. The post remained in use until 1991, when it was closed and locked. {1}{2}
Sources/Archives (2)
- <1> SLI14623 Digital Archive: Council for British Archaeology. 2006. Defence of Britain Archive. Non Anti-Invasion Record 1156.
- <2> SLI16034 Bibliographic Reference: Wayne D. Cocroft and Roger J.C. Thomas. 2003. Cold War: Building for Nuclear Confrontation 1946-1989. pp.176-86.
Map
Location
Grid reference | SK 8504 4868 (point) Estimated from sources |
---|---|
Civil Parish | CLAYPOLE, SOUTH KESTEVEN, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Nov 1 2023 1:26PM
Feedback?
Your feedback is welcome. If you can provide any new information about this record, please contact us.