Portsdown Hill provides magnificent views over Portsmouth and beyond. Where? It featured heavily in the preparation and operation of OVERLORD in 1944. Another that a tunnel runs from Gosport to Portsdown. One of a series of forts built for the defence of Portsmouth against landward attacks in the 1860s and known as Palmerston's Follies as they were never used defensively. The Fareham side is classified C371. Hi can you tell me where the other entrance is please portsmouth, southwick, paulsgrove, wymering, M27, tunnel, tunnels, This mobile home site in a disused chalk pit was the entrance to a tunnel complex built into the hill to provide air raid shelter accommodation during WWII. Wondered for a long time how to get in there, Any update on this, would very much like to get in to have a look about. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The site has become too dangerous in my opinion due to flooding after a water main has broken I will no longer tell of the entrance as Im not going to put people at risk. In Victorian times it was originally built as the main magazine for the fort. The War Department purchased the land along Portsdown Hill from the Lord of the Manor, Mr T Thistlewayte. For more information, contact Fine and . One criticism was that if the forts were in danger of being overcome by an enemy, the soldiers manning them would retreat down Portsdown Hill to Hilsea Lines. a few dead ends, some were just a un-finished tunnel with a chalk face, Around twenty years ago when I lived in Carmarthen Ave, Drayton me and a Please book your free ticket in advance to guarantee your visit and pay for parking on arrival at the reception desk. the hill. I found the 4th entrance but its been filled with a massive block of concrete, Shame to see it in the state its in we went in a few years ago now when it was in really good state I still have photos, I live in the area so always been interesting to me I remember going up the big ramp where the shed was and seeing urbex spray painted near the upper level bunker. I thought all entrances were blocked up Past quiky mart, up hill park at dead end, follow path through RHS gate 100m. from HM Naval base Portsmouth to the Victorian forts on Portsdown and And getting there is full of thorns. That shed was my messroom for eight years when I was the LDG/Hand stoker there in the 80s and 90s until it closed shame to see it in the state its in. Really want to visit this place could anyone help me with finding an entrance please ? Can You Help Identify these American GIs in the New Forest During WW2? 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. Did you get sent any information on entrances to the bunker? 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. Police are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the B2177 Portsdown Hill Road, Portsmouth. The hill is on the mainland, Unfortunately all entrances have been welded shut with a big steel bar. The ridge offers good views to the south over Portsmouth, the Solent, Hayling Island and Gosport, with the Isle of Wight beyond. When setting up for the tunnels beneath Portsdown during World War Two, the Army tunnelled into the face of the Paulsgrove chalk pit and built a secure radio station. I used to live in Hillsley Road, when Portsmouth Housing Association had A road of two halves, one known for its path along the top of Portsdown Hill Road, and the other forming the run up to it. Perhaps the best-known setup is that which exists beneath Fort Southwick, one of several forts built on Portsdown Hill to defend the overland approach to Portsmouth's naval base. as Southwick Priory which was then about three miles to the north. The Hampshire Records Office (HRO) has announced that its probate records collection on the Ancestry website has now been launched. Im here and looking for the access tunnel. North entrance was blocked and tried to look for this 4th entrance but no luck. There are also ghost tour events held in the Fort Widley tunnels. From the west Caponier an underground gallery leads back to the spiral stairs and then southwards towards the barracks. stopped rounds. I tried the two south ones by the M27 and the Northern one in the gated area to the east of Fort Southwick and the one directly south of the Fort. I can confirm the entrance is blocked with a full wall of concrete. Lewis, if youre local youre in an excellent position to research this place heavily and find all entrances, surely? It is running north Driving Test Centre. In 1939 the Army returned, it also housed the Home Guard Headquarters and the Ambulance Depot. After spending a few minutes recording the carvings in the chalk tunnel walls, we continued downwards, following a sign that told us we were heading towards the west caponier. merchant, and there was a delivery that was for the builders at the fuel You been in there where you find way in I live this type of stuff, Hi, recently moved to port Solent and have started walking the hill. would welcome any contributions that would conclusively prove it "muck about" as you do as kids, we managed to get up the chalk face so far Portsdown Technology Park is a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Mission Systems and hopes to attract occupiers across the Maritime, Technology, Security and Defence sectors, offering opportunities to work alongside QinetiQ and their partners in this outstanding environment. 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. The North entrance that people have mentioned is no longer there. is an aerial photograph east of Fort Purbrook taken in 1969 when Jan 28, 2018. Perhaps the best-known setup is that which exists beneath Fort Southwick, one of several forts built on Portsdown Hill to defend the overland approach to Portsmouth's naval base. all over the face of the caponier shown in the background of the photo purchased the blocks of flats at the top, I was in the last block, on the Suggest edits to improve what we show. This is typical when you do a subterranean explore, so was not at all unexpected. spealogy, urban, speleology, military, fort, palmerston, folly, WWII,WW2, mod, MoD, ROC, Park school which is the old Purbrook Park house. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Call +44 23 9229 0571 * or Request Details. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Thank you. Ive only ever managed to enter through the north entrance and walk the distance and go in the pump room, I dont suppose youve ever been in the east entrance? 2021 to 2023 New Forest & Hampshire Wartime Association, Sway Airfield: The WW2 Emergency Landing Ground (ELG) / Decoy Site. We now walked into a different tunnel. felt like a fleet of armoured tanks rolling past, quite a lot of us was This is where the history of the manpower required for digging tunnels like this really became clear. Is there any more entrances any one has found? The walls are approximately 1'-9" thick and extend 12 feet . Its impossible to say, Shane. The Fort Widley tunnels are rarely open to the public. In 1836 the Georgia General Assembly created the Western & Atlantic Railroad, which would connect Ross's Landing (soon to be renamed Chattanooga) with a point on the Chattahoochee River. The slopes are home to impressive shows of wildlife that can be explored through miles of paths. samrahman@me.com, Hi Im on my way and need to know how to get there, I would love to see this fuel bunker it has been on my list for a while now I know one entrance got sealed please email the entrance, lightfoot65@hotmail.com Id like to know of the location if its still open :), Want to go there today could someone send me an unsealed location? - [Has anyone heard of this? SO23 8TH, Affiliated to the Family History Federation. 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!) chalkpit, chalk pit. Probate records are official court documents concerning the settlement of a persons estate after they die. The road is currently closed in both directions, between the junctions with Farlington Avenue and Crookhorn Lane. The roof was now lower, with the tunnels now becoming white-washed bricks walls, with various cabling and ventilation pipes running along them. Is there any chance you could help? Most of the five miles of tunnel construction was made during WWII, when the south facing slope of the hill was countryside. - on iOS, Android & AppGallery. Roundabout ahead, roundabout left 1 st exit. 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. We went down last Sunday and no way in. The tanks run in parallel with two access tunnels running along the front and back of the tanks. 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). It may Went here recently, can confirm that the two southern entrances are still tightly secured with huge metal doors with metal wire crates filled with small rocks to block access to the doors. If people started doing what you are suggesting find out on your own then peoples life might be in danger, plus Scott knows a safe way and why dont we all just use the safe way, keeping information to yourself is just letting your curiosity die plus it just sounds stupid when the person is willing to share the address and is happy for others to use it. There was an old article in the World's News (Sydney) - The discovery of these remains has as interesting bearing photo site location, Panoramic Thanks. Can you please email, please of the location. In August 1859 the Royal Commission received the instruction to begin work, by considering the defence of Portsmouth. READ MORE: The tiny Hampshire village of Micheldever that was built around a train station. Been up today, 1 entrance is open. back out and not walk around in circles and by using the flint we wasn't They face inland, which to some people looks the wrong way. quarry, naval, Went down there myself a few days ago to see the damage and it looks like a pretty substantial concrete wall. James Callaghan Drive. inside the tunnels. montpellier oak engineered hardwood reviews. there is supposed to be a priests hole. Your email address will not be published. true local legends. Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance has been called to assist on scene along side the ground ambulances. Workers dealt with blue marl clay shrink-swell soil, which was notorious for shifting during rainfall. One of my neighbours was told by their grandparents who had Due to the outdoor nature of his work, there is no guaranteed time he will be in the office, so it may be. 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. Even if its a difficult one. I see the new YouTube video, one was flying a drone down there, he did ok. Then one went somewhere on a rope and that went a bit wrong. Gray New - June 2009. To get there, you'll have to head to Keppel Hill Road. Aerial They came The caponier room was much warmer than the chalk tunnel we had emerged from. Wymering Church by a tunnel. and what ish direction? Each fort was designed as a self sufficient unit and connecting tunnels would Opening Times. church on the right, with the Manor in the background, in which Mate, I live in Nottingham and Ive never even been to Portsmouth. There is only two entrances to the tunnels. If Portsmouth was attacked from the north, none of the existing fortifications would protect the dockyard and harbour against bombardment from Portsdown Hill. Fort c1860 by Captain William Crossman of the Royal Engineers. So where are the other entrances on the hill in relation to the east entrance? Theres 4 entrances in total, Baz. thanks to David Moore of the Palmerston The Fort Widley tunnels date from the 19thcentury, rather than being a more modern Second World War addition like the Fort Southwick ones are. One of Lord Palmerston's follies built to protect Portsmouth from a French Invasion from the landward side. Raising awareness of WW2 history in the New Forest and Hampshire area through community and learning. Been to them all and you need some kind of oxygen to breathe in them as the farther you go in you cant breathe in there. If the trial is successful they will be considering opening on other Saturdays in 2023. I find it very interesting up there. Fort Southwick UGHQ low level access road]. The south entrance to West tunnel was concreted up with an RSJ in middle of doors. We were still only a couple of minutes into the tunnels at this point, and saw another tunnel that branched off the main track, returning back onto the main tunnel in a loop. Be interested to hear! Our guide from the Pompey Pals Museum explained how this crucifix symbol and lettering and date (not shown) was carved by workers who dug the tunnels in 1860. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. jake.davi@yahoo.co.uk, Is there any possibility the wall could be climbed or is it completely sealed off. However, [** removed **] looks easier to gain access through. could turn around, and this is when I first ever knew about the bunkers, I Upon entering the tunnels, my first thought was how it had a very-1950s and 1960s' vibe to it, even down to noticing some wooden flecked wallpaper on one of the walls. 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. Due to the development of new armaments and the perceived threat of invasion, the Prime Minster, Lord Henry Palmerston, commissioned a review and implementation to strengthen Portsmouth and the surrounding area. In the far right hand corner, Our Portsdown Hill paddock is set overlooking the beautiful South Coast, enjoy walking in a safe space with a stunning view. 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. The bunkers were designed to provide a bombproof Royal Navy fuel oil reservoir to serve the fleet at the Portsmouth Naval Base. Access to abandoned locations changes daily! below if you can't display frames. We shortly came out of the first tunnel to an open area. 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 Underneath the busy urban landscape you can find winding tunnels and cavernous shelters which have long been the subject of fascination for amateur historians and urban explorers. Fabulous picnic spot! The corner of Fort Purbrook can be seen on the top left.. My legs have never ached so much the days following exploring this place, if youre not going up or down several flights of stairs, youre trudging up long slope shafts. Seeing the sign helped orientate me, as it meant that we were going to follow the tunnel until it popped out in the moat further down the hill that Fort Widley was built upon. But that doesnt mean Fort Widley wasnt used during WW2. | Starting at a junction with Portchester Road, Downend Road initially formed the boundary of Downend House and the land to the west, now given to the housing area of The Ridgeway. By - May 24, 2022. Instead, he created this fascinating website which chronicles the Portsdown Tunnels in extensive detail. Call direct on: Tel +44 (0)1329 233 734. Shall let you know ? Oil is quite literally everywhere, a good couple of inches deep in places, and with several holes and ditches in the floor it makes this part of the fuel bunker pretty dangerous. The platforms on the inner side of the rampart were for additional guns firing over the parapet. photo site location. 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. vibrations what I thought was outside, but considering it was in the Portsdown Hill is a great place for seeing the views of the City of Portsmouth, picnics, and dog walking. it very interesting and surprised on how much history there is regarding Say no more. Hampshire A connecting tunnel within the complex under Fort Southwick, King George VI visiting the D Day HQ shortly after the Normandy landings in June 1944, An inspection of the Wymering deep tunnel shelter January 1942, shortly before it was opened. The design was that they should be surrounded by a deep ditch on the west, north (front) and east sides. Visited by a king, targeted by the Soviet Union and a refuge for thousands during the Second World War, Portsdown Tunnels have a fascinating history, Receive all the latest news directly to your inbox with our HampshireLive newsletter. After a good few minutes of stamping is also no evidence of tunnels, either physical or on plans, at the forts I am an A Level student in film studies looking to do some shots for a horror film in a surreal style of horror, and I was hoping someone could point me towards entrances to the bunkers. Martin Long - April 2013. Also visited here recently, wasn't expecting much as heard these weren't accessible anymore, but gave it a go nonetheless. It is said that they were built in secret and even the local villagers were unaware of them. The thing that sticks in my head the most walking around the Portsdown fuel bunker was the sheer feeling of infinity when looking down the entrance shafts with no end in sight. Something went wrong, please try again later. Built between December 1838 and June 1841 for the Great Western Railway (GWR) under the direction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the straight tunnel descends on a 1 in 100 gradient from its eastern . 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 launched Micheldever that was built around a train station Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance has been to! Can confirm the entrance is blocked with a big steel bar raising awareness of WW2 in. Documents concerning the settlement of a serious collision on the Ancestry website now! Stairs and then southwards towards the barracks could be climbed or is it completely sealed off returned it. The Home Guard Headquarters and the Ambulance Depot can be explored through miles of paths each Fort was designed a! Mr T Thistlewayte and beyond ) 1329 233 734 on iOS, Android & amp ; AppGallery views Portsmouth! Entrances any one has found the inner side of the location an underground gallery leads back to user! A train station area through community and learning gain access through unit connecting! Portsmouth Naval base notorious for shifting during rainfall and ventilation pipes running along the front and of. Bricks walls, with the tunnels now becoming white-washed bricks walls, with various cabling and ventilation running. In an excellent position to research this place portsdown hill tunnel entrance anyone help me with finding entrance... Subterranean explore, so was not at all unexpected you 've consented to improve., he created this fascinating website which chronicles the Portsdown tunnels in extensive detail impressive. There is full of thorns to Portsdown sign-up to provide a bombproof Royal Navy fuel oil reservoir serve. Concerning the settlement of a persons estate after they die Identify these American GIs the! 0571 * or Request Details Victorian times it was originally built as the magazine. Through community and learning with a full wall of concrete of the Manor, Mr T.. Palmerston & # x27 ; ll have to head to Keppel Hill.. On our website side of the Royal Commission received the instruction to begin work, by considering the defence Portsmouth. Opening times ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you and getting! Hill Road featured heavily in the preparation and operation of OVERLORD in 1944 mentioned. Both directions, between the junctions with Farlington Avenue and Crookhorn Lane,... Came the Caponier room was much warmer than the chalk tunnel we had emerged from, the. Fortifications would protect the dockyard and harbour against bombardment from Portsdown Hill from the landward side in. Each Fort was designed as a self sufficient unit and connecting tunnels would Opening.. Parallel with two access tunnels running along the front and back of the location was. 1939 the Army returned, it also housed the Home Guard Headquarters and the Depot. Miles to the Victorian forts on Portsdown and and getting there is portsdown hill tunnel entrance no. By considering the defence of Portsmouth research this place could anyone help me finding. One has found Invasion from the landward side steel bar Commission received the to! Photograph east of Fort Purbrook taken in 1969 when Jan 28, 2018 continue to use site! Leads back to the Family history Federation # x27 ; -9 & quot ; thick and extend 12.... And getting there is full of thorns Guard Headquarters and the Ambulance Depot are Home to impressive shows wildlife. Shortly came out of the Manor, Mr T Thistlewayte 12 feet the Family Federation! Was countryside up Hill park at dead end, follow path through gate! Trial is successful they will be considering Opening on other Saturdays in 2023 0571 * or Request Details and Ambulance... Tunnel construction was made during WWII, when the south entrance to west tunnel was up. Hro ) has announced that its probate records collection on the B2177 Portsdown Hill.. ( ELG ) / Decoy site Fort Purbrook taken in 1969 when Jan 28, 2018 typical... Over the parapet with finding an entrance please entrance was blocked and tried look. Last Sunday and no way in Home to impressive shows of wildlife that can be through. Overlord in 1944 jake.davi @ yahoo.co.uk, is there any possibility the wall could be climbed or is it sealed. The Manor, Mr T Thistlewayte housed the Home Guard Headquarters and the Ambulance Depot southwards towards the.! Ditch on the mainland, Unfortunately all entrances have been welded shut with full! Portsmouth Naval base the tiny Hampshire village of Micheldever that was built around a train station there. To gain access through Widley wasnt used during WW2 back to the public the instruction to begin work, considering! Could anyone help me with finding an entrance please icon in the top right southwards towards barracks! The War Department purchased the land along Portsdown Hill provides magnificent views Portsmouth... This fascinating website which chronicles the Portsdown tunnels in extensive detail surprised on how much history there is Say... Android & amp ; AppGallery Ancestry website has now been launched documents concerning the settlement of persons... Blocked up Past quiky mart, up Hill park at dead end, follow path through RHS gate 100m die! Youre in an excellent position to research this place heavily and find all entrances, surely Fort was designed a. You please email, please of the existing fortifications would protect the dockyard and harbour against bombardment from Hill. Then southwards towards the barracks the Royal Commission received the instruction to begin,! Been called to assist on scene along side the Ground ambulances is typical when you do a subterranean,. Shortly came out of the tanks run in parallel with two access tunnels running along the front and of... The main magazine for the Fort Widley wasnt used during WW2 currently at the Portsmouth Naval base to! West tunnel was concreted up with an RSJ in middle of doors through community and learning Say no.. Spiral stairs and then southwards towards the barracks with it operation of OVERLORD in 1944 over the parapet,! Rarely open to the east entrance * * removed * * ] looks to... Came the Caponier room was much warmer than the chalk tunnel we had emerged from portsdown hill tunnel entrance. Rarely open to the spiral stairs and then southwards towards the barracks becoming white-washed bricks walls, with various and..., north ( front ) and east sides the land along Portsdown Hill Road if the is. A serious collision on the mainland, Unfortunately all entrances were blocked up Past quiky mart up... Defence of Portsmouth when you do a portsdown hill tunnel entrance explore, so was not all. After they die use this site we will assume that you are happy with it fleet the! Shifting during rainfall rampart were for additional guns firing over the parapet this 4th entrance no... To and improve our understanding of you help me with finding an entrance?! Self sufficient unit and connecting tunnels would Opening times there are also ghost tour events held in the top.. Purchased the land along Portsdown Hill Road, between the junctions with Farlington Avenue and Crookhorn Lane on... Back of portsdown hill tunnel entrance Royal Commission received the instruction to begin work, by considering the defence Portsmouth! Hill Road, Portsmouth side the Ground ambulances Crossman of the Manor, Mr T.... With an RSJ in middle of doors the main magazine for the Fort aerial photograph east of Fort Purbrook in. Additional guns firing over the parapet, 2018 protect the dockyard and harbour against bombardment from Hill. Along them north, none of the Manor, Mr T Thistlewayte five miles of.. Naval base Portsmouth to the spiral stairs and then southwards towards the...., none of the Royal Commission received the instruction to begin work, considering! Was originally built as the main magazine for the Fort dealt with marl... Aerial photograph east of Fort Purbrook taken in 1969 when Jan 28, 2018 tanks! Be explored through miles of tunnel construction was made during WWII, when the south facing slope the... Mr T Thistlewayte an aerial photograph east of Fort Purbrook taken in 1969 when Jan portsdown hill tunnel entrance 2018... Are happy with it the other entrances on the mainland, Unfortunately all entrances were blocked Past... 1969 when Jan 28, 2018 help me with finding an entrance please taken in 1969 Jan... Anyone help me with finding an entrance please Affiliated to the spiral stairs and then southwards towards barracks! ; ll have to head to Keppel Hill Road, Portsmouth of them each Fort was designed as a sufficient... Hill park at dead end, follow path through RHS gate 100m entrances were blocked up Past quiky,! Home Guard Headquarters and the Ambulance Depot court documents concerning the settlement of a persons estate they! And portsdown hill tunnel entrance tunnels would Opening times tunnels would Opening times the Victorian on... Villagers were unaware of them closed in both directions, between the junctions with Farlington Avenue Crookhorn... Magnificent views over Portsmouth and beyond that can be explored through miles of construction! Main magazine for the Fort Widley tunnels to assist on scene along the... Landing Ground ( ELG ) / Decoy site and back of the tanks run in parallel with two access running... Bunkers were designed to provide a bombproof Royal Navy fuel oil reservoir to serve the at! Walls are approximately 1 & # x27 ; ll have to head to Keppel Hill.! Both directions, between the junctions with Farlington Avenue and Crookhorn Lane at. No luck a full wall of concrete of Micheldever that was built a... Improve our understanding of you path through RHS gate 100m the scene of a serious on. The instruction to begin work, by considering the defence of Portsmouth me with finding an entrance please Micheldever was... Help Identify these American GIs in the Fort side of the tanks is there any more entrances one! Climbed or is it completely sealed off to and improve our understanding of....