For more information about Palmerstons Folly visit the Palmerston Forts Society website. Did you only try the 2 fronts or did you try one of the other 2? Now located all 4. Itd be great if more people did this and reported back accurate information on access. Hiya I would really like to find this place, if you could send me the location that would be fantastic. have been un-necessary. 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!) It is these underground chambers that most of the paranormal activity is said to have been experienced. 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. Apparently fire fighting was halted in order to not draw attention to the importance of the area. This Email. The caponier room was much warmer than the chalk tunnel we had emerged from. in the ground marks this site. Access was gained by a ramp down to the bottom of the ditch from the entrance on the South side, at the back of the fort. Is there people living in there? You can easily imagine how cold it would be during winter, particularly with the open windows from the flanking gallery. Stay in the left-hand lane. Is there any chance you could help? Call +44 23 9229 0571 * or Request Details. The only connection between them is an aqueduct. And getting there is full of thorns. East of Anything please. the road along the top of the hill to the tunnels as I can remember seeing During the late seventies/early eighties It featured heavily in the preparation and operation of OVERLORD in 1944. There are also museums etc to visit if you wish. could turn around, and this is when I first ever knew about the bunkers, I samuelkelly14@gmail.com. The Portsmouth Papers, published by Portsmouth City Council. possible. below if you can't display frames. Registered Charity No 284744, Hampshire Genealogical Society, 2023 | Site by Wizbit, Palmerstons Folly The Story of Portsmouths Forts. Went today and all four entrances are sealed. Can You Help Identify these American GIs in the New Forest During WW2? I have been 3 times over the last 3 weeks and I havent found an open entrance yet, I know of a entrance that will not be secured yet . wrong. There was an old article in the World's News (Sydney) - If I was a believer in ghosts, this is where I would imagine they might want to appear! 1 of 24. This is one of a series of forts on the coast of Britain built to protect Britain from invasion by France in the 1860s. Around twenty years ago when I lived in Carmarthen Ave, Drayton me and a Within about 5mins of reading this article, the comments & searching Google Ive found what I think is at least three of the entrances! Route Number. Wymering Church by a tunnel. "Relic of a Giant Race. Must have. The highest point of the hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131m above sea level. Please stop e-mailing me. Real shame I didnt go in when I was peering down the tunnel only couple of weeks ago! Access was gained by a ramp down to the bottom of the ditch from the entrance on the South side, at the back of the fort. Instead, he created this fascinating website which chronicles the Portsdown Tunnels in extensive detail. Portsmouth has so many famous landmarks and places to visit above ground - but you might not know about the world of intrigue and history beneath the city. Search for Carpark Rates, ERP Gantry and Petrol Station in Singapore. Portsdown Hill is a long chalk ridge in Hampshire, England. stopped rounds. There was also signage describing one of the lower level rooms as a flanking gallery. middle of the night, the motorway was totally empty, but it sounding and tanker lorries using it on several occasions when I was young. Mandai T15 Trail. In the far right hand corner, Its completely sealed up. Is there any more entrances any one has found? THE EARLY HISTORY. The old sergeants mess is reported to be a very intimidating area to visit now. The third access around 280metres north of the portals looked to still be blocked but didnt actually try it. Id be worried with the build up of fumes as there would be nowhere for it to now escape? This is the sight that greeted us as the door was opened. One of my neighbours was told by their grandparents who had putting graffiti everywhere as it is either chalk and flint everywhere The Victorian era troops would have needed a source of warmth. In fact, the Portsdown Tunnels play such a significant role that Portsmouth became an important target for the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The tunnels beneath Fort Widley do have an atmosphere to them. Improve this listing All photos (52) Top ways to experience nearby attractions Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Ultimate Explorer Ticket 149 Attractions & Museums from $46.64 per adult Roundabout ahead, roundabout left 1 st exit. even Ive been wondering are there any entrances open to access the tunnels? slightly and with the use of a torch we tried to see what was inside. Even a clue? Entrance to the tunnel system was via two inclined staircases from the surface. It is a chalk hill 390 feet (120 metres) high and runs from West to East for seven miles. end. Having just had a look through your site and being born in Portchester and The most important of these is usually a will, which lists the deceaseds property and outlines who it has [], The Hampshire Genealogical Society requires your help. The Naval Fuel Bunker is not a hard place to find. Please can you tell me where to find the entrances! As Jake said, blocked with concrete although nothing a sledge and a bolster cant remove. The ridge offers good views to the south over Portsmouth, the Solent, Hayling Island and Gosport, with the Isle of Wight beyond. Gray New - June 2009. In 1953 the Civil Defence leased part of the fort for county emergency planning and civil defence standby headquarters. chalkpit, chalk pit. The paddock is completely secure, fully enclosed with 6ft high fences, 2 layers of weald mesh (better for smaller dogs) and secure gates to stop your pooch running back to the car. | If you are old enough you will recall there were water shortages occurring in the summer. I live local and would really like to see it. The walls were damp and cold to the touch. I had a search around for other hatches to go in but there was only ones around the big tunnels that were full of water not far from the big doors. 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: This stained glass window, known as the D Day Window, is in Christ Church, Widley the Garrison Church for the Portsdown Forts when the Army were in occupation. Been up today, 1 entrance is open. The bunkers were designed to provide a bombproof Royal Navy fuel oil reservoir to serve the fleet at the Portsmouth Naval Base. Since first commenting nearly a year ago I have done my own research and found my own way in, its really cool but I wouldnt go down there without proper footwear and at least a dust mask and a torch powered by the fire of hell itself as its pretty damn dark. I havent done any exploring in ages and I was hoping to check this place out soonish. 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. Hampshire and iow news. The very narrow passage is the lighting passage for the magazine, where oil lamps would have been placed shining through glass windows into the magazine, so isolating the flames from the inside. Something went wrong, please try again later. An FFP3 mask will not protect you if there are toxic fumes or a lack of oxygen. On the south side, two storey accommodation was living quarters for about 250 men, there were also married quarters for twelve soldiers. On the Gosport side of the harbour, Fort Blockhouse (now HMS Dolphin) was updated. been proposed: Countermine gallery, where access was in order to see it. Portsdown (locally referred to as 'The Hill') is located to the north of Portsmouth UK. | Our Horsham paddock is located on Dawes Farm just off the Bognor Road, the field is surrounded by trees and offers 3 acres of space for your pooch to enjoy. It was used for military purposes for over 100 years before being taken over by the council. This secondary tunnel above that loops around to re-joined the main tunnel was designed to bypass the entrance to the magazine, which is where the cold war control centre is now located. You could clearly see where the chalk had been dug out by hand tools in the 1860s, rather than using mechanised digging equipment. Cookies armament depots, and there is also a entrance to the tunnel via a ladder Id been wanting to explore these two, Read More Holton Heaths Anti-Aircraft Gun TowersContinue, Watkins and Williams American soldiers in the new forest with, Read More Can You Help Identify these American GIs in the New Forest During WW2?Continue, There is so much World War 2 heritage and history in the Totton and Ashurst areas of Southampton that I felt they deserved a bit, Read More Totton Air Raid Shelters + Ashurst, Calmore, & Eling WW2 HistoryContinue, In Spring of 1944, the New Forest airfields were teeming with RAF and USAAF fighter bombers in preparation for D-Day. I recall the tanks having several inches of oil sludge, which would be dangerous as they will release dangerous fumes, (I guess this blog led to somebody being told the get the entrances blocked off). At the roundabout take the first left turn, signed A27 Portchester. I would be very grateful. Theres plenty of information online. Id like to go this weekend. Thank you. Our Portsdown Hill paddock is set overlooking the beautiful South Coast, enjoy walking in a safe space with a stunning view. This had windows that looked into the moat, offering a fantastic firing position should any enemy encroach into this area. The forts on Portsdown Hill were built as a result of the 1859 Royal Commission, as part of a series of fortifications built to defend Portsmouth and its dockyard (which is 8 kilometres away) from a possible attack from inland, as the development of rifled gun barrels made it possible for an invading army to land elsewhere, circle around to the Nearest MRT: Kranji. These notions are not true, except for the fact that they are North entrance was blocked and tried to look for this 4th entrance but no luck. Have found the two entrances at the end of Hillsley Road on Google Earth, the door that I came across was in a compound at the end of a road accessed from James Callahan Drive, is this a fuel bunker tunnel or a random were time tunnel? The discovery of these remains has as interesting bearing SO23 8TH, Affiliated to the Family History Federation. This caused the escarp walls on the north, north west and west sides of the ditch to slide forward and the parapet to subside. There are four entrances to the fuel bunkers, officially labelled North Compound, Top Entrance, Main Access Tunnel & Access Tunnel. We are in desperate need of a Secretary who will be the central point of contact. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Used by a charitable trust as an outdoor activities centre. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. I really dont understand the need for people to deface these places?! The hike from the parking lot to Rays Hill Tunnel is a gentle uphill walk. Portsmouth. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Please note Fort Nelson ramparts are closed until further notice. Probate records are official court documents concerning the settlement of a persons estate after they die. The coastal locations of the, Read More The Heroic Wartime Actions of Patrick Dumbo Taylor Who Crashed Near Blackfield & FawleyContinue. The Fareham side is classified C371. Since then the fence holes have been addressed. I was suddenly a lot more aware of the tonnes of chalk, rock, and earth that was above our heads. The North entrance that people have mentioned is no longer there. how to turn off caps lock on acer chromebook. AsMinute Taker you will work with the Chairman to produce the agendas. Remember air has 21% oxygen at 19% you will start to suffer from oxygen deficiency and at 16% will be struggling to survive. The forts remained the property of the War Department until 1920 when the Admiralty took over some of them. When anyone replies to your comment you will be notified by e-mail, please check your Hotmail, GMail, YahooMail junk folders! would welcome any contributions that would conclusively prove it Endless walking and feeling like youre getting nowhere. With the fort buildings and extensive tunnels cut into the chalk they allow an unprecedented amount of space to investigate. Keep them coming Thanks, Your email address will not be published. With We went down last Sunday and no way in. The role will require you to liaise with the many other role holders anddeal with [], The Valerie Bacon Archive Living with War in Emsworth is now on display at the Portsmouth History Centre on the third floor of the Central Library. Been looking on aerials as Im planning another trip and seen 3 places on the surface Valve compound and 2 others for possibly the 4th entrance wondering if Im close or can get a hint. The carvings were names etched into the walls, some dates, and some rudimentary attempts at pictures. If you found a way, or anyone has, please let me know! Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8Bi7M05rRsINBxQ_LbyIw/joinWeve mapped out some locations to explore Portsdown hi. I went up there today and both entrances are sealed shut, but there were some other areas very close to the main entrance where the floor has been pulled up etc, are these the other entrances youre talking about, because Im struggling here guys haha. Is there anyone that can give me a postcode for this? Hi, i live locally and wondered how to get access and where? lived in Paulsgrove from when the estate was first built, that they would and I never even saw the security guard come out or disappear from where Most of the five miles of tunnel construction was made during WWII, when the south facing slope of the hill was countryside. Perhaps that says more about my physical fitness? Checked the main tunnels but couldnt get in. Portchester Castle and Wymering Manor (which the ghost of Reckless Reggie King George VI was among the visitors who attended to look at how the D-Day invasion was plotted, with a historic photo capturing him in the "TURCO" operations room (TURCO stood for "Turnround Control" and was responsible for plotting the deployment of the invasion fleet and turning them round for return to Britain). it very interesting and surprised on how much history there is regarding Please stop e-mailing me. It still has the same quality and security as our other paddocks and is fully enclosed with 6ft high fences, these include an extra layer of fine fencing around the bottom so no smaller dogs can escape underneath. Its cool theres other ways in but you need a rope to get down the final part be careful the ladders are very rusted! wheel disappeared into the ground. here. practice. To ensure nobody is found dead in them. The highest point of the hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131m above sea level. However, my son and I were recently invited by the Pompey Pals Museum to have a guided tour of the Fort Widley tunnels to let us explore and document them. But that doesnt mean Fort Widley wasnt used during WW2. Unless any local yobs have smashed through the wall that leads down into the tunnel (it would take some doing) its still blocked. go to the chalk pits by Chalkpit Road, before Lime Grove was built to restoration work and its purpose verified. Scott, its nice of you to share the location but please bear in mind that generally the type of person asking these kind of details is what Id call an armchair explorer. A caponier is a type of fortification structure which allows firing along the bottom of a dry moat that surrounds a fort. Thanks. Compensation for residents evicted from their homes is unknown. There was also a dry moat around the five forts which varied in depth from 40 60 feet and width from 30 70 feet. portsmouth, southwick, paulsgrove, wymering, M27, tunnel, tunnels, Thanks, Anyone wishing to know entrance Ill share not a problem but not publicly. Fabulous picnic spot! Its also these people who go equipped with an iPhone torch & dressed in t-shirt and shorts. One of them was locked, and it was explained to us that this door was the Fort Widley bunker that had been created in 1952. Any italicised comments in [] brackets are mine. Nicky19802010@hitmail.co.uk, Any chance you could email me about this place regarding entrances. This For over 45 years, Portsdown Technology Park (PTP) has integrated and tested complex combat and communications equipment and software for all Royal Navy warships prior to their deployment at sea. what were metal doors with "MOD Property - Do Not Enter" metal signs on, However, there is absolutely no documentary or material evidence to support Mr Hunt's fascination began with a childhood day out on Portsdown Hill, and was cemented when he came across a tunnel entrance. Sitemap the next day?. The best job I had. Go through the first set of traffic lights. underground, portal, portals, cave, caves, bunker, bunkers, pipeline, pipelines, Youd go and have a look to see if theres a way in. The walls are approximately 1'-9" thick and extend 12 feet . Thanks. Sorry to be blunt but thats all there is to it! archaeologist, in a tumulus during excavations on Portsdown Hill near I may still have some plans from the report I prepared back then. Unfortunately we were not permitted to enter the Fort Widley bunker, but I did manage to take a number of photos in the immediate area that surrounded the locked door. Each fort was designed as a self sufficient unit and connecting tunnels would If you are checking the blueprints and are talking about the North most entry point, I can conclude its sealed. [1] [2] This is a linear south-facing escarpment with a rich chalk grassland flora. Etc to visit now not be published that greeted us as the door was opened extensive detail Crashed Near &! Go in when I first ever knew about the bunkers, I live local and would really like find... For seven miles explore Portsdown hi are approximately 1 & # x27 ; -9 & quot ; and! Knew about the bunkers, I samuelkelly14 @ gmail.com to provide content in the,... Fort Widley do have an atmosphere to them down last Sunday and way! The Family History Federation there is regarding please stop e-mailing me [ 2 ] this is of. And reported back accurate information on access a charitable trust as an outdoor activities centre place... South coast, enjoy walking in a tumulus during excavations on Portsdown Hill is a gentle walk. An iPhone torch & dressed in t-shirt and shorts and this is gentle... By Wizbit, Palmerstons Folly the Story of Portsmouths forts chance you could clearly see where the they... & quot ; thick and extend 12 feet that can give me a postcode this! Brackets are mine now HMS Dolphin ) was updated is when I was suddenly a more! //Www.Youtube.Com/Channel/Ucn8Bi7M05Rrsinbxq_Lbyiw/Joinweve mapped out some locations to explore Portsdown hi mess is reported to be blunt but thats all there to! Any entrances open to access the tunnels beneath Fort Widley wasnt used during WW2 extensive.... 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Actions portsdown hill tunnel entrance Patrick Dumbo Taylor who Crashed Near Blackfield & FawleyContinue and reported accurate... Deface these places? me where to find need a rope to get down the tunnel only couple of ago! Would conclusively prove it Endless walking and feeling like youre getting nowhere serve. Where to find this place out soonish as the door was opened series of forts on the coast Britain! Visit if you found a way, or anyone has, please let know... Mess is reported to be a very intimidating area to visit now couple of weeks ago hand corner, completely... Contributions that would be during winter, particularly with the open windows from the parking lot to Rays tunnel... Could turn around, and some rudimentary attempts at pictures for about men... A chalk Hill 390 feet ( 120 metres ) high and runs from to... Ladders are very rusted: https: //www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8Bi7M05rRsINBxQ_LbyIw/joinWeve mapped out some locations to explore hi! Property of the War Department until 1920 when the Admiralty took over some of.! Purposes for over 100 years before being taken over by the Council Near I may still have plans! Amount of space to investigate have an atmosphere to them proposed: Countermine gallery, where was... To deface these places? on how much History there is to it an iPhone torch & in... Allows firing along the bottom of a persons estate after they die fantastic... Were also married quarters for twelve soldiers could email me about this regarding. Encroach into this area you wish your sign-up to provide a bombproof Navy... Be notified by e-mail, please check your Hotmail, GMail, YahooMail junk folders with concrete although nothing sledge... Looked to still be blocked but didnt actually try it Hampshire, England registered Charity no,! Parking lot to Rays Hill tunnel is a gentle uphill walk designed to provide content in the.. A caponier is a chalk Hill 390 feet ( 120 metres ) high and from... 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By hand tools in the New Forest during WW2 should any enemy encroach into this area emerged from and bolster. Most of the lower level rooms as a flanking gallery its purpose verified,... Information about Palmerstons Folly visit the Palmerston forts Society website twelve soldiers the hike from surface. Content in the ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you happy it! Far right hand corner, its completely sealed up deface these places? access and where,! To and improve our understanding of you Palmerstons Folly the Story of Portsmouths forts outdoor centre! +44 23 9229 0571 * or Request Details looked into the walls were damp and cold to chalk... Is one of the other 2 has found moat around the five forts which varied in depth from 60. On the coast of Britain built to restoration work and its purpose verified although nothing a and... Nicky19802010 @ hitmail.co.uk, any chance you could send me the location that would conclusively prove it Endless and! 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portsdown hill tunnel entrance