Monument record MLI125201 - Royal Observer Corps Post, Old Leake
Summary
Former Royal Observer Corps post at Old Leake. Opened in 1963, and closed in 1968, though still extant.
Type and Period (1)
- ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS MONITORING POST (Mid 20th Century to 21st Century - 1963 AD to 2050 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
A former Royal Observer Corps underground observation post is located to the south-east of Old Leake. 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 1963. 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 1968, when it was closed and locked. {1}{2}
The post was the subject of a programme of historic building recording, conducted in June 2021, prior to the capping and sealing of its entrance. The post was found to be dry internally and in relatively good structural condition, though had been suffering from persistent vandalism. {3}{4}
Sources/Archives (4)
- <1> SLI14623 Digital Archive: Council for British Archaeology. 2006. Defence of Britain Archive. Non Anti-Invasion Record 1312.
- <2> SLI16034 Bibliographic Reference: Wayne D. Cocroft and Roger J.C. Thomas. 2003. Cold War: Building for Nuclear Confrontation 1946-1989. pp.176-86.
- <3> SLI16983 Report: Austin Heritage Consultants. 2021. Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post, Wrangle Bank. Austin site code: ROWB21.
- <4> SLI16984 Archive: Austin Heritage Consultants. 2021. Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post, Wrangle Bank. LCNCC 2021.170.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | TF 4479 4887 (point) Estimated from Sources |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | OLD LEAKE, BOSTON, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
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External Links (0)
Record last edited
Nov 1 2023 2:29PM
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