Great Britain Soldiers Home Tunnels 21/10/2010

[Wevsky]

Visited with uncle Bulgaria,Obsurity,Frosty,fatjames and craig

Right History..I could have cobbled together from several sources some info and re-written it in my own words but to be honest the write up I’ve found is very accurate from what i can tell so I will bow down to the far more superior knowledge and just quote ..

This is the Eastern end of a large tunnel complex in Snargate Street, which began as separate tunnels but were linked during WW2 for use as air raid shelters. The main part of this section is the 900ft long Cowgate Tunnel which connected Snargate Street with Durham Hill. Unfortunately, this tunnel was penetrated by a shell during WW2 which resulted in the death of 63-year old Mrs. Patience Ransley, who was sheltering inside at the time. The tunnel is blocked at the point of the shell penetration, which occured within the grounds of Cowgate Cemetery on the surface. It is however possible to go much further than the blockage , but conditions are poor due to roof falls and rotten timber props. Due to revelopment of the Durham Hill area, the entrance at that end seems to have vanished. The passage going West from the main entrance tunnel passes a vent shaft and kiln, and was originally known as 'Soldiers' Home Caves', due to them being behind the old Soliders' Home.

Right on with the pics!!

The lime kiln i believe..



stairs leading up to it where i swear a rat ran past me

Going up the cowgate section towards where the Bomb breached the tunnel !

Nice concrete lined section!

The blockage leading up to the durham hill section!

A shoe

Looking back from way we came

And thats us out again..thanks for looking i would include a few more pics but one concrete lined section looks like another!!thx to the guys was a fun outing