Monday 1 December 2014

174 Haverstock Hill / NW3

Ministry of Home Security, London Transport, Mott Hay & Anderson, W T Halcrow & Partners, 1942. Belsize Park south entrance to deep-level shelter. Inside there is a lift-shaft and double helix stairs descending to twin 1,400ft long tunnels, built for civilian refuge from WW2 bombing. The 5ft deep reinforced concrete circular slab protected the shaft in the event of a bomb impact. The taller tower at the back filtered air intake. Several of the deep shelters across London are still utilized for various purposes including data storage and even horticulture under UV light. Belsize Park, London Borough of Camden. 


(CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 - attribute: Images George Rex.)