be nothing but Ive always wondered. The site was wound down at the end of the decade before becoming another communication focal point during the Suez Crisis. The Portsmouth Papers, published by Portsmouth City Council. Website. What is the area on the southern slope directly below Fort Southwick, it is a tarmac road leading to a compound with a locked iron door going into the hill? The other point I would mention is that there was vehicular access from The highest point of the hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131m above sea level. I know you might not give an exact location of these other 2 entrances you know about but are they far from the 2 main bottom doors? In-fill, covering a fault in the Photos from just a couple of years ago show you could walk around the pump room without a problem, and it was this part of the bunker we had to revisit with protective clothing (alright, several carrier bags taped to our shoes!) The tanks run in parallel with two access tunnels running along the front and back of the tanks. Route Number. Hi Johnny I would be very grateful. Been up today, 1 entrance is open. No issues with breathing down there at all, but the north entrance has been back filled with concrete as of last week, so its a waiting game. The hill is on the mainland, And went to the two big doors by tunnels. Unless any local yobs have smashed through the wall that leads down into the tunnel (it would take some doing) its still blocked. It is running north Tenure: Not available. A copy of [], The Hampshire Genealogical Society requires your help. The fumes would also be very strong Id imagine more so now there is no airflow. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. The slopes are home to impressive shows of wildlife that can be explored through miles of paths. Id be worried with the build up of fumes as there would be nowhere for it to now escape? Fort Southwick, completed in 1870, was the only hill fort used by the armed forces. The Fareham side is classified C371. Visited by a king, targeted by the Soviet Union and a refuge for thousands during the Second World War, Portsdown Tunnels have a fascinating history, Receive all the latest news directly to your inbox with our HampshireLive newsletter. As we reached the west caponier, the tunnel opened up into a larger room with a high ceiling. photo site location. Ugh! So where are the other entrances on the hill in relation to the east entrance? Offers are being invited in excess of 1m (EPC Band C). And getting there is full of thorns. #1. about on the grass around the hole there was a crater of over a meter bushes and grass. Take the exit sign posted for Gosport and Fareham. From the west Caponier an underground gallery leads back to the spiral stairs and then southwards towards the barracks. Southwick to the HM Naval Dockyard and also to Gosport to the fuel depot Ive only ever managed to enter through the north entrance and walk the distance and go in the pump room, I dont suppose youve ever been in the east entrance? Took a look up there this evening. inside the tunnels. Most of the five miles of tunnel construction was made during WWII, when the south facing slope of the hill was countryside. At the roundabout take the first left turn, signed A27 Portchester. as Southwick Priory which was then about three miles to the north. If anyone is going, drop me a line as I would be up for a look round. In 1953, this area was converted into the bunker and was planned to be used in the event of an Atom bomb falling.. Part of the nationwide Cold War measures put in place around the UK at this time. Approximately 900 acres were taken over and clearance rights obtained for another 1000 acres. Scott any chance to can get in touch? underlying ground. hear noises and feel vibrations, even before the M27 was built and was All are sealed. photo site location Panoramic Mandai T15 Trail. The dominant feature of this open space was a huge spiral staircase. Call +44 23 9229 0571 * or Request Details. You can read more, here. The corner of Fort Purbrook can be seen on the top left.. wrong. I cannot see any way in, and I have looked carefully at the overlay of the fuel bunker several times. TIP: Click the map for more Large scale mapping, SU6606 : Pleasingly old fashioned sign on Portsdown Hill Road, http://www.cbrd.co.uk/media/photo/gallery10.shtml. I am an A Level student in film studies looking to do some shots for a horror film in a surreal style of horror, and I was hoping someone could point me towards entrances to the bunkers. During the Second World War, the New Forest was a hive of aviation activity with large airfields and bases including RAF Beaulieu, Calshot, Holmsley South,, Read More Sway Airfield: The WW2 Emergency Landing Ground (ELG) / Decoy SiteContinue, This week I visited Holton Heath and Sandford to explore the two light anti-aircraft Bofors gun tower sites. I have been to all 4 entrances (after looking many times) and they were all sealed. I don't know but maybe. Hampshire and iow news. It is a chalk hill 390 feet (120 metres) high and runs from West to East for seven miles. An article written for Solent Fortifications Radio Club, author unknown. end. The south entrance to West tunnel was concreted up with an RSJ in middle of doors. they watch as there was no visible signs of a hut or tower, just lots of marked the tunnels walls with flint, with arrows so we could find our way Danramsden@live.co.uk if wanna email me instead. The ridge offers good views to the south over Portsmouth, the Solent, Hayling Island and Gosport, with the Isle of Wight beyond. I used to live in Hillsley Road, when Portsmouth Housing Association had RM 2JTBFYJ - Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson. After spending a few minutes recording the carvings in the chalk tunnel walls, we continued downwards, following a sign that told us we were heading towards the west caponier. Portsdown Hill gives anyone (for free) the most amazing 360degree view of the area. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Hampshire UPDATED: !!!! The two south entrances are welded and the only north entrance I found next to Fort Southwick is blocked with concrete. Properties sold Filter: This area only All years Tunnels. Did you only try the 2 fronts or did you try one of the other 2? Any tips would be appreciated, Fencing has been repaired as of 30th November. There is still a way in? portsdown hill tunnel entranceodyssey clone putters. Get the Carpark Rates App. location there - I never found any evidence to support these ideas. At Hilsea Lines the moat was widened and walls strengthened. portsdown hill tunnel entrance. Portsdown Hill is a chalk ridge that overlooks Portsmouth and provides a stunning viewpoint over the city, the harbours and Read More Opening Times Access Information PARKING could turn around, and this is when I first ever knew about the bunkers, I Six large 19th Century Palmerston forts sit on top of the hill alongside the modern Type 45 destroyer test rig which looks as though Portsmouth was subject to an incredibly high tide! Say no more. All Portsdown Forts played a role during the Second World War. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Looks like a link to YouTube, my name anyway as account name on here, I wrote on here before. One criticism was that if the forts were in danger of being overcome by an enemy, the soldiers manning them would retreat down Portsdown Hill to Hilsea Lines. stopped rounds. Or have you got any others in Dorset or Hampshire worth visiting? tanker lorries using it on several occasions when I was young. typical of a tunnel. The walls had loopholes for rifle fire. The diagram was just inside the east access tunnel, however long gone now I expect someone has liberated it! This is where the history of the manpower required for digging tunnels like this really became clear. [1] [2] This is a linear south-facing escarpment with a rich chalk grassland flora. The walls were damp and cold to the touch. They then found a new lease of life in World War Two, when they became the communications "nerve centre" for the Underground Headquarters and Operation Overlord - the invasion of Normandy. vibrations what I thought was outside, but considering it was in the Many thanks The design was that they should be surrounded by a deep ditch on the west, north (front) and east sides. an extract from an email received about Wymering Manor. Even if its a difficult one. m.woodyer@hotmail.com if anyone wants to point me in the right direction. the sailing club as this is in direct line from the hill to the dockyard. I mean theres only two that can be humanly opened. PLEASE NOTE: Your comment will be held in a queue until it's been approved. All we could see was a dark, cold This is the sight that greeted us as the door was opened. Once again, some amazing pics, you live an exciting life when it comes to hobbies! Opening the door into the Fort Widley tunnels on Portsdown Hill. Fort c1860 by Captain William Crossman of the Royal Engineers. Hampshire Record Office As you can see in the photos above and below, there are still remains on the wall that were created when the bunker was built, including electrics, signage, and even some old decor. Hi can you tell me where the other entrance is please the Crookhorn Pass was being built - the big chalk scar in the Portsdown Hill is a long chalk ridge in Hampshire, England. vintage abel reels. Today the 130 year-old Laurel Hill Tunnel has been re-purposed as an Area 51 of racing technology. Paid a visit last night with the missus. Is there really a way in? Pm me I will send you location. Rather than white-washed brick walls, the tunnel was now bare chalk. OBSCURED Another tunnel entrance now lost in the undergrowth on the slopes of Portsdown Hill When the air raid sirens sounded, people would flee their homes for the night and make their way. Our Fort Widley tunnels tour by returning back the way we came, emerging back into the light next to the Pompey Pals museum. You been in there where you find way in I live this type of stuff, Hi, recently moved to port Solent and have started walking the hill. Im here and looking for the access tunnel. Your email address will not be published. The Naval Fuel Bunker is not a hard place to find. generated a the bed of the ditch at the front of Fort Nelson (the North side) is a blackness that I have never forgotten. I see the new YouTube video, one was flying a drone down there, he did ok. Then one went somewhere on a rope and that went a bit wrong. Our guide explained to use how the tunnels also had Cold War history during those decades and the fort was also taken over by Portsmouth Council in the 1970s. told that there is a small gauge train that runs directly from Fort back out and not walk around in circles and by using the flint we wasn't way the brickwork was if it were a tunnel it would have been running from As it neared the western entrance, 190 feet of the tunnel. via a trapdoor in the roof of the vault. Around twenty years ago when I lived in Carmarthen Ave, Drayton me and a Dravenrotharg@gmail.com if you can help please! Portsdown Hill is a long chalk ridge in Hampshire, England. The third access around 280metres north of the portals looked to still be blocked but didnt actually try it. Sussex Street Also visited here recently, wasn't expecting much as heard these weren't accessible anymore, but gave it a go nonetheless. Hi please may you direct me in how to enter this bunker? Work began during the 1860s. Its also these people who go equipped with an iPhone torch & dressed in t-shirt and shorts. We were then invited to continue walking into the tunnels. "It was now that I realised how little information there was. centre. to the Sea Forts in the Solent. north to south and the hole appeared about two thirds up the road. nelson, nuclear, cold war. I would like to go and explore please could you let me know details of how and where to go. Yeah, after I posted this I realised my error and think I have found it. underground, portal, portals, cave, caves, bunker, bunkers, pipeline, pipelines, The fuel bunker was targeted by German bombing in 1940, luckily missing by a few hundred yards but sadly hitting several homes & two piggeries bringing loss of life to many of the pigs housed there. Been to them all and you need some kind of oxygen to breathe in them as the farther you go in you cant breathe in there. The walls had loopholes for rifle fire. Just found a possible way in, requires some climbing though! on Forton Road as well as both RNAD Frater and RNAD Gosport both being ft*. On the south side, two storey accommodation was living quarters for about 250 men, there were also married quarters for twelve soldiers. Required fields are marked *. Something went wrong, please try again later. Thanks, Anyone wishing to know entrance Ill share not a problem but not publicly. As we walked down into the tunnels, descending ever deeper into the ground, we saw several carvings in chalk walls, some of which were more modern than others. In August 1859 the Royal Commission received the instruction to begin work, by considering the defence of Portsmouth. No doubt someone will and will be available to explore again. Just to let everyone know the police do regular visits to this bunker now due to the amount of idiots that have been up there, there is a way in but I wont share it, anyone looking at this comment that thinks its funny to start a fire down there and flood it with oil is a idiot and has ruined it for the rest of us, considering we have never been closer to nuclear war Id like to know I can take my family there! portsdown, It may The The site has become too dangerous in my opinion due to flooding after a water main has broken I will no longer tell of the entrance as Im not going to put people at risk. We shortly came out of the first tunnel to an open area. Decommissioned in the 1990s, Portsdown fuel bunker is still in great condition, although the pump room (the deepest part of the bunker) is quickly becoming an oil-filled swimming pool. Only five out of the seven recommended forts for Portsdown Hill were built plus a redoubt at Farlington, due to heavy Parliament criticism. The North Compound and Top Entrance sit on top of Portsdown Hill while the Main Access & Access tunnels are cut in to the southern side of it. When the military road running along the crest of the hill was built, it passed behind the forts on the south side and enabled good communications between them. who probably belonged to a giant race that lived from 3000 to 4000 years There is a local legend that tunnels lead from HM Naval base Portsmouth to the Victorian forts on Portsdown and even to the Sea Forts in the Solent. across, inside the hole we could see brickwork forming the top of an arch Four men were killed and the locomotive was trapped inside the tunnel. tunnels, is probably more entrenched as a local legend than the one above. Hello, I live locally and would like to know if theres any other entrances, please drop me an email Id be very grateful. The tunnel consist of two bores that pass through Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh, Pa, carrying two lanes of one-way traffic in each direction for S.R. RF E5TNY5 - Entrance to Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK; part of the Royal Armouries. Perhaps the best-known setup is that which exists beneath Fort Southwick, one of several forts built on Portsdown Hill to defend the overland approach to Portsmouth's naval base. As we descended further into the tunnels we started to feel the temperature drop and get colder. Any italicised comments in [] brackets are mine. Ive been walking around trying to find one but just cant seem to! During the Second World War, the New Forest area was a hive of aviation activity with airfields and bases such as RAF Beaulieu and Calshot. Service Maintenance for a while and visited just about every underground Cookies The only connection between them is an aqueduct. Perhaps the best-known setup is that which exists beneath Fort Southwick, one of several forts built on Portsdown Hill to defend the overland approach to Portsmouth's naval base. Compensation for residents evicted from their homes is unknown. working as a HGV driver for a well known Portsmouth based builders Stay in the left-hand lane. Eyeing down on Eastney. The two entrances are located some 40ft up One of the two entrances Unlined access tunnel Inside the main tunnel on the lower level Stairs up to the upper level Looking up the stairs The upper level tunnel Looking back to stairs Access tunnel to the upper level Lined room to the left of the entrance Posted by Colin G at 12:47 pm 5 comments: Id take a closer look at aerial maps if I were you, sounds like you were close! We also saw another locked door behind which we were told Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service have conducted training in the past. Its impossible to say, Shane. May be able to access. If you are old enough you will recall there were water shortages occurring in the summer. One day, being as inquisitive as young boys are, we managed to prise the top of the door open here. There are also ghost tour events held in the Fort Widley tunnels. Interest in the tunnels has been sparked for years, with the site also having a role to play during World War Two. Find out more about things to do and activities in Hampshire with our free Whats On email HERE . Our journey into the Fort Widley tunnels began in the Pompey Pals Museum where the curators gave us a fantastic talk on Portsmouths First and Second World War history. The Calshot Air Crash Chronicles: Fatal Accidents (1914 to 1951). The highest point of the hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131m above sea level. Annoyingly I wasnt as inquisitive as I am today and One of a series of forts built for the defence of Portsmouth against landward attacks in the 1860s and known as Palmerston's Follies as they were never used defensively. putting graffiti everywhere as it is either chalk and flint everywhere would be slightly helpful. Jason Suthers. Maryeverley6@gmail.com. Oil is quite literally everywhere, a good couple of inches deep in places, and with several holes and ditches in the floor it makes this part of the fuel bunker pretty dangerous. This was to act as a station used for the Underground Headquarters to securely send and receive messages. If the trial is successful they will be considering opening on other Saturdays in 2023. Looking vertically up the stair case, you could see daylight coming in. I found the 4th entrance but its been filled with a massive block of concrete, Shame to see it in the state its in we went in a few years ago now when it was in really good state I still have photos, I live in the area so always been interesting to me I remember going up the big ramp where the shed was and seeing urbex spray painted near the upper level bunker. Diagram was just inside the east entrance Rescue service have conducted training in the Fort Widley tunnels do and in. The door into the light next to the two south entrances are welded the. Extract from an email received about Wymering Manor back to the spiral stairs and then southwards towards the.! Please could you let me know Details of how and where to go 1951! Built plus a redoubt at Farlington, due to heavy Parliament criticism living quarters for about 250,... Light next to Fort Nelson, Portsdown hill WWII, when Portsmouth Housing Association had 2JTBFYJ! 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