Upper Oil Mills

This tunnel was most probably originally dug to exact chalk for lime around the mid 19th Century.

During WWII it was repurposed and used as an air raid shelter although the shelter wasn’t for public use and was mainly used by personnel from HMS Wasp based at the Lord Warden Hotel. Blast walls were installed and what looks like an office or a room for chemical toilets. Elsan toilets were provided at the end of October 1940 and although the shelter was not for civilian use this ended up being permitted.

It may have also been used for storage for periods of time.