Air-raid shelter found in Castleton

Date published: 08 April 2009


A World War II air-raid shelter has been uncovered at a construction site in Castleton.

Connell Brothers made the rare discovery when tearing down the manufacturing premises of Rochdale firm Whipp & Bourne on Manchester Road.

The tiny shelter was made of thick steel to a standard Home Office design just large enough to fit two people.

The shelters were installed in homes and public areas as well as underground stations throughout London to enable key staff to remain on duty during air raids. They were often reinforced using packed sandbags.

Connell Brothers is liaising with local historians to relocate the air raid shelter to a local museum.

Heavy duty electrical switchgear manufacturer Whipp & Bourne was formed in 1903 by Charles Bourne and Samuel Whipp.

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