The library in Devizes was built in 1968 and opened on the 27th November of that year, but not many people know that at the same time that the library was built, a secret bunker was also constructed directly underneath the library for the purposes of holding the Borough Council in the event of a Russian strike.
History: The basement of the library, built in 1968, was designed to house councillors and officers of the former Devizes Borough Council in the event that Britain was under nuclear attack. It was the height of the Cold War and only six years after the Cuban missile crisis. The cost of building the library was £65,500, a lot of money in those days for a mere local library building. The bunker was designed to protect up to 20 people and keep them safe from blast and nuclear fallout for months. A quote from a local veteran journalist: “It was very much hush-hush. Although councillors and council officers knew all about it, I don’t think the public did. It was intended for the borough council. I don’t think you could have got many people down there from County Hall.†Much of the equipment is still there, although the basement is now used to house surplus books.
The Visit: My first attempt at a permission visit and surprisingly easy. I just went and asked to have a look and to my surprise they guided me around there and then. But I would not advise people to follow me, as the bunker today is used as offices and storage space for the library above and I sense that I only got in as I was first to ask in years. I don't think they would appreciate a regular flow of people turning up.
The bunker complex is sizeable and covers an area matching the whole footprint of the library above. Air filters, fuel and water tanks, chemical toilets, a kitchen, original maps and signage can all be seen in immaculate condition.
For the purpose of this report I will only publish photos showing close-up detail and not whole room shots - as I said earlier the bunker is today used as offices and storage space and best not be showing all that.
Allegedly there is a second bunker built at the same time to host the Kennet District Council. I am still researching this, but is rumoured to be at Browfort on the Bath Road. Anybody with further info please PM me. Thanks.
Photos:
The Devizes Library - a horrible ugly building. Please don't think that Devizes is represented by this ugly monstrosity. Devizes really is a delightful historic market town and well worth a visit - honest (check out the Wadworth's Brewery or the Caen Hill locks flight for touristy things to do)
Inside the bunker - entrance hall
Original signage
The bathroom
Chemical toilets
Handrinse Unit with instructions
Many air filter units can be found around the bunker
Water and fuel tanks
Original maps (it extends behind the bookshelf showing all the way to Kent)
Escape Hatch
Thanks for looking
History: The basement of the library, built in 1968, was designed to house councillors and officers of the former Devizes Borough Council in the event that Britain was under nuclear attack. It was the height of the Cold War and only six years after the Cuban missile crisis. The cost of building the library was £65,500, a lot of money in those days for a mere local library building. The bunker was designed to protect up to 20 people and keep them safe from blast and nuclear fallout for months. A quote from a local veteran journalist: “It was very much hush-hush. Although councillors and council officers knew all about it, I don’t think the public did. It was intended for the borough council. I don’t think you could have got many people down there from County Hall.†Much of the equipment is still there, although the basement is now used to house surplus books.
The Visit: My first attempt at a permission visit and surprisingly easy. I just went and asked to have a look and to my surprise they guided me around there and then. But I would not advise people to follow me, as the bunker today is used as offices and storage space for the library above and I sense that I only got in as I was first to ask in years. I don't think they would appreciate a regular flow of people turning up.
The bunker complex is sizeable and covers an area matching the whole footprint of the library above. Air filters, fuel and water tanks, chemical toilets, a kitchen, original maps and signage can all be seen in immaculate condition.
For the purpose of this report I will only publish photos showing close-up detail and not whole room shots - as I said earlier the bunker is today used as offices and storage space and best not be showing all that.
Allegedly there is a second bunker built at the same time to host the Kennet District Council. I am still researching this, but is rumoured to be at Browfort on the Bath Road. Anybody with further info please PM me. Thanks.
Photos:
The Devizes Library - a horrible ugly building. Please don't think that Devizes is represented by this ugly monstrosity. Devizes really is a delightful historic market town and well worth a visit - honest (check out the Wadworth's Brewery or the Caen Hill locks flight for touristy things to do)
Inside the bunker - entrance hall
Original signage
The bathroom
Chemical toilets
Handrinse Unit with instructions
Many air filter units can be found around the bunker
Water and fuel tanks
Original maps (it extends behind the bookshelf showing all the way to Kent)
Escape Hatch
Thanks for looking
