Apologies for image quality, they are still from a video I took.
Opened: 1961, Closed: 1991
I have wanted to explore an ROC post since learning about them on this forum a few months ago. The Chigwell post was the only one reasonably local to me that hadn’t been completely demolished. The last known report stated that it was sealed with concrete in 1998, then burned out with petrol sometime around 2008 (source: subbrit.org.uk).
Location & Accessibility
The ROC post is located slightly off the beaten track in Roding Valley Meadows, next to the M11. Reaching it required leaving the main path and pushing through an overgrown area. The vegetation had reclaimed much of the surroundings, making access somewhat difficult.
Surface Features
On the surface, the survey meter tube is still present. Overgrowth has obscured much of the surrounding area, making it difficult to determine if the air vent cover was still in place—I couldn’t see it.
Descent & Interior Condition
The entrance shaft is intact but heavily rusted. Climbing down the ladder, I found the floor covered in a mix of burned scrap and newer debris that had clearly been brought in after the fire. There was less than an inch of water in the main chamber, making it damp but not flooded.
Despite its poor condition, exploring my first ROC post was an interesting experience.
The sump piping is one of the few remaining features that has survived years of vandalism.
The floor is covered with a layer of wood and metal scrap, keeping your feet out of the water.
The fire damage is extensive, with melted plastic, charred metal, and scattered trash across the floor. Most of the debris looks modern, but I spotted what might be remains of the bunk bed frame.
- The air vent slider at the back wall is rusted in place.
- The base of the survey meter is still attached to the ceiling but is severely rusted.
- old electric box is still connected to wires running up the wall
.
Final Thoughts
While this ROC post is probably one of the worst preserved ones that still exists, due to fire damage and neglect, it was still an interesting visit for my first ROC post exploration. Despite the debris and decay, it was intriguing to see remnants of the original structure and layout.
Opened: 1961, Closed: 1991
I have wanted to explore an ROC post since learning about them on this forum a few months ago. The Chigwell post was the only one reasonably local to me that hadn’t been completely demolished. The last known report stated that it was sealed with concrete in 1998, then burned out with petrol sometime around 2008 (source: subbrit.org.uk).
Location & Accessibility
The ROC post is located slightly off the beaten track in Roding Valley Meadows, next to the M11. Reaching it required leaving the main path and pushing through an overgrown area. The vegetation had reclaimed much of the surroundings, making access somewhat difficult.
Surface Features
On the surface, the survey meter tube is still present. Overgrowth has obscured much of the surrounding area, making it difficult to determine if the air vent cover was still in place—I couldn’t see it.
Descent & Interior Condition
The entrance shaft is intact but heavily rusted. Climbing down the ladder, I found the floor covered in a mix of burned scrap and newer debris that had clearly been brought in after the fire. There was less than an inch of water in the main chamber, making it damp but not flooded.
Despite its poor condition, exploring my first ROC post was an interesting experience.
The sump piping is one of the few remaining features that has survived years of vandalism.
The floor is covered with a layer of wood and metal scrap, keeping your feet out of the water.
The fire damage is extensive, with melted plastic, charred metal, and scattered trash across the floor. Most of the debris looks modern, but I spotted what might be remains of the bunk bed frame.
- The air vent slider at the back wall is rusted in place.
- The base of the survey meter is still attached to the ceiling but is severely rusted.
- old electric box is still connected to wires running up the wall
.
Final Thoughts
While this ROC post is probably one of the worst preserved ones that still exists, due to fire damage and neglect, it was still an interesting visit for my first ROC post exploration. Despite the debris and decay, it was intriguing to see remnants of the original structure and layout.
I have wondered since about popping over on a lunch break as it's not a million miles away from where I work. Nice to see it again though 👍
