Hidden deep below the ground underneath Stockport are numerous abandoned air raid shelters.
The tunnels provided shelter and a way of life for many families in Stockport and surrounding areas.
Four sets of underground air raid shelter tunnels for civilian use were dug into the red sandstone rock below the town center. Preparation started in September 1938 and the first set of shelters was opened on 28 October 1939; Stockport was not bombed until 11 October 1940. The smallest of the tunnel shelters could accommodate 2,000 people and the largest 3,850. It was subsequently expanded to take up to 6,500 people.
In 1948, the shelters were sealed off from the public.
The largest of the Stockport Air Raid Shelters have been open to the public since 1996 as part of the town's museum service.
The tunnels provided shelter and a way of life for many families in Stockport and surrounding areas.
Four sets of underground air raid shelter tunnels for civilian use were dug into the red sandstone rock below the town center. Preparation started in September 1938 and the first set of shelters was opened on 28 October 1939; Stockport was not bombed until 11 October 1940. The smallest of the tunnel shelters could accommodate 2,000 people and the largest 3,850. It was subsequently expanded to take up to 6,500 people.
In 1948, the shelters were sealed off from the public.
The largest of the Stockport Air Raid Shelters have been open to the public since 1996 as part of the town's museum service.
