Short History
57 London Road (`Fairlawns') was requisitioned in 1939 as a new headquarters for No.1 Group, Royal Observer Corps - having previously been stationed in rooms above Maidstone Post Office. In use throughout WW2 until stand down, by the 1950s Fairlawns was relegated to being a training centre for the group control at Beckenham (19 Group).
In 1961 a new semi-sunk control was built to the rear of the house, with administration located in the house. In 1976, Fairlawns was renamed Ashmore House in memory of the Corps' founder Major Ashmore.
On closure in 1992, Ashmore House and the Control Bunker behind were sold to a local firm of solicitors.
Used for file storage until recently, H&S regulations have forced the solicitors to abandon use of the bunker, however they will open it up to any interested groups.
Exterior
Switchgear for the telescopic aerial mast
Lots of original signage throughout the bunker
Filter Room
Key Cabinet
No shit Sherlock!
Descending to the lower levels
Air Pressure Alarm
Assorted Gauges
It does exactly what it says on the tin!
Control/Plotting Room now...
...and then
Stark corridor shot
Plant Room
The Plant Room was mint - looked more like Museum than an abandoned bunker!
Thanks for stopping by.
57 London Road (`Fairlawns') was requisitioned in 1939 as a new headquarters for No.1 Group, Royal Observer Corps - having previously been stationed in rooms above Maidstone Post Office. In use throughout WW2 until stand down, by the 1950s Fairlawns was relegated to being a training centre for the group control at Beckenham (19 Group).
In 1961 a new semi-sunk control was built to the rear of the house, with administration located in the house. In 1976, Fairlawns was renamed Ashmore House in memory of the Corps' founder Major Ashmore.
On closure in 1992, Ashmore House and the Control Bunker behind were sold to a local firm of solicitors.
Used for file storage until recently, H&S regulations have forced the solicitors to abandon use of the bunker, however they will open it up to any interested groups.
Exterior
Switchgear for the telescopic aerial mast
Lots of original signage throughout the bunker
Filter Room
Key Cabinet
No shit Sherlock!
Descending to the lower levels
Air Pressure Alarm
Assorted Gauges
It does exactly what it says on the tin!
Control/Plotting Room now...
...and then
Stark corridor shot
Plant Room
The Plant Room was mint - looked more like Museum than an abandoned bunker!
Thanks for stopping by.
