Clapham North Deep Level Shelter
This was a flying visit with MJS, we didn't have chance to see it all, but still glad I managed to see a good chunk of it. We bumped into Maniac, Frosty & Fortnox whilst down there which wasn't really surprising!
There were eight deep level shelters built between 1941-1942 underneath existing London Underground stations
Since the war, plans were drawn up to utilise the tunnels as an express rail route, but were soon dropped due to lack of funding
London Underground have since took control of the shelters, all of which have been leased out except for Clapham
30M Down the mainshaft via a spiral staircase are two 1400ft long tubes, with connecting tunnels and a now bricked up link to Clapham North Station
The shelter was originally designed to house 8,000 people during the blitz of WW2
Pillbox surface building - Contains lift machinery and double helix staircase 30M down the main shaft to 'Deep Level'
(Pic © Nick Catford - Subbrit)
Shelter Diagram
Top Of Main Shaft/Spiral Staircase
Once down we entered the short cross-link tunnel, linking the 2 x 1400ft tunnels heading North & South
The tunnel construction is unique, in that 2 bisecting circular tunnels had been mined to form the top and bottom level of the shelter thus providing more space
Northbound Cross-link Entrance/Passageway
South Tunnel
Gents Toilets - You can still see the urinals on the walls
Flight Of Stairs - Leading to Clapham Station platforms
Ventilation pipes for Clapham Station
Bricked Up Access To Clapham Station
North Tunnel
Stairwell - Down to lower section of Deep Level Shelter
We were pushed for time so I headed back up leaving MJS to take a couple of pics down here whilst I stalled the others
It was great to finally see this place, Shouts to Tommo & Wevsky for the tip-off
