As the entrance to these tunnels is through a live site, I'd feel better if this stays private for a while, even though the info is out there if it's looked for. Visited with Herbivore and DarkPuppy.
HISTORY
There isn't much available to be honest - these tunnels represent the eastern extent of the Oil Mills complex, and they are certainly of the same construction type: massively hand hewn through chalk with brick linings and supports in places.
The tunnel complex is adjacent to the Harbour Railway Tunnel, and there is a passageway connecting with it which is now bricked up. There is talk that during WW2 there was a secret platform inside the tunnel used to disembark wounded and dying servicemen returning from the continent, away from prying eyes.
The system was used as a shelter later on in the war, graffiti from 1944 being most widespread, as well as some poster tatters.
There have been some rumours circulating recently in Kent that access is possible from the Oil Mills - this is partially true, part of the Oil Mills (where the fire started) is accessible but further progress is impossible due to the passageways being securely bricked up.
EXPLORING
The adits are well lit initially, being used for occasional storage by the occupants of the site, but further into the system lighting is by torchlight only.
Plan of the Tunnels
1.
Entrance Tunnels
2.
3.
4.
Looking toward the Toilet and Sink area
5.
6.
Entering the unlit areas
7.
Steps leading down to the 'secret platform'
8.
The main gallery
9.
Looking up to the brick lined roof cone
10.
Moving into the accessible section of Oil Mills where the fire started
11.
(To give some idea of scale, there is a 6' Metal Door in the bottom left hand corner)
12.
(Spot the super mould on the left hand side!)
This part was lethal - the fire quickly exhausted the oxygen and the stacked wooden pallets turned to charcoal. Several times I ended up thigh deep in the stuff!
13.
All in all a good night out.
HISTORY
There isn't much available to be honest - these tunnels represent the eastern extent of the Oil Mills complex, and they are certainly of the same construction type: massively hand hewn through chalk with brick linings and supports in places.
The tunnel complex is adjacent to the Harbour Railway Tunnel, and there is a passageway connecting with it which is now bricked up. There is talk that during WW2 there was a secret platform inside the tunnel used to disembark wounded and dying servicemen returning from the continent, away from prying eyes.
The system was used as a shelter later on in the war, graffiti from 1944 being most widespread, as well as some poster tatters.
There have been some rumours circulating recently in Kent that access is possible from the Oil Mills - this is partially true, part of the Oil Mills (where the fire started) is accessible but further progress is impossible due to the passageways being securely bricked up.
EXPLORING
The adits are well lit initially, being used for occasional storage by the occupants of the site, but further into the system lighting is by torchlight only.
Plan of the Tunnels
1.
Entrance Tunnels
2.
3.
4.
Looking toward the Toilet and Sink area
5.
6.
Entering the unlit areas
7.
Steps leading down to the 'secret platform'
8.
The main gallery
9.
Looking up to the brick lined roof cone
10.
Moving into the accessible section of Oil Mills where the fire started
11.
(To give some idea of scale, there is a 6' Metal Door in the bottom left hand corner)
12.
(Spot the super mould on the left hand side!)
This part was lethal - the fire quickly exhausted the oxygen and the stacked wooden pallets turned to charcoal. Several times I ended up thigh deep in the stuff!
13.
All in all a good night out.
