A fascinating slice of Cold War history is now available for those with a penchant for the unique and historical. Nestled in the serene backdrop of Cornwall, a former Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post, built 14 feet underground to safeguard against nuclear threats, is on the market for £25,000. This subterranean relic, established in 1961 near St Agnes, encapsulates the eerie tension of the era it was born in.
Access to the bunker is achieved through a rustic vehicular track leading to a 14-foot ladder that descends into the depths of history. The interior, although claustrophobic, holds a significant past within its 15-foot length, 7-foot width, and 8-foot height dimensions.
This bunker is part of an extensive network of over 1,500 such installations that dotted the British coastlines from the 1960s to the 1990s, a testament to the period’s pervasive sense of impending peril.
The core of this installation includes an access shaft, a basic chemical toilet, and a monitoring room—all maintained by dedicated volunteers during its operational years. These posts were crucial during the Cold War, serving as vigilant watchdogs tracking aircraft movements and potential nuclear threats.
Adam Cook, the auctioneer handling the sale, shares that spending time alone in the bunker can feel particularly “eerie,” providing a visceral connection to its historical significance.
This property is not just a bunker but a piece of history encapsulated in reinforced concrete. First opened in 1961 and decommissioned in 1991, the site has withstood the tests of time and now offers a unique opportunity for potential buyers. The bunker is being auctioned online as part of a triangular piece of land on February 18.
Sellers and the auctioneer have suggested various potential uses for this intriguing property, subject to the approval of planning permissions from Cornwall Council. The possibilities for repurposing are as varied as the interests of potential buyers, ranging from historical preservationists to private landowners seeking a unique addition to their estates.
Mr. Cook elaborates that it is challenging to categorize the bunker into a single type of purchase, given its unique nature and historical value. He notes a significant interest from various quarters, indicating the wide appeal of such a distinctive property.
The Royal Observer Corps, the civil defense organization responsible for these posts, played a crucial role during the Cold War. Its volunteers were tasked with the visual detection, identification, tracking, and reporting of aircraft over Great Britain. In the event of a nuclear incident, teams were expected to report from these bunkers on the levels of radioactivity and other critical data.
The bunker is a relic of a broader network that once included 29 ROC headquarters designed to withstand atomic blasts and monitor their aftermath. Although nearly half of these headquarters have been demolished since their decommissioning, the remaining structures and their stories continue to captivate the imagination of those fascinated by this intense period of modern history.
This sale offers more than just a piece of land; it provides an immersive dive into the chilling realities of the Cold War, inviting its new owner to own a piece of history that is as profound as it is pivotal.
