Are There Bunkers Under London?

By Robert Palmer

If you are a history buff, you might have wondered if there are any hidden underground bunkers in the city of London. The answer is yes!

The History of Bunkers in London

During World War II, London was bombed extensively by the German air force in a series of attacks known as The Blitz. As a result, the British government decided to build underground shelters to protect civilians from the bombings.

The first bunkers were built in 1940 and were known as Anderson shelters. They were made of corrugated steel and could fit up to six people. However, they were not very effective at protecting people from direct hits.

The Deep-Level Shelters

To provide better protection for the people of London, the government commissioned the construction of deep-level shelters. These were built underneath existing tube stations and took several years to complete.

The deep-level shelters could hold up to 8,000 people and had multiple levels with beds, toilets, and even a canteen. They were designed to withstand direct hits and provided a safe haven for civilians during air raids.

The Cabinet War Rooms

In addition to the deep-level shelters, there were also secret bunkers built for government officials during World War II. One of the most famous is the Cabinet War Rooms.

The Cabinet War Rooms are located underneath the Treasury building in Westminster. They were used by Winston Churchill and his cabinet during the war as a command center.

Today, visitors can take a tour of the Cabinet War Rooms and see where Churchill made some of his most famous speeches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are indeed bunkers under London! From Anderson shelters to deep-level shelters and secret government bunkers like the Cabinet War Rooms, these underground spaces played an important role in protecting citizens during World War II.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of London’s bunkers, there are many tours available that will take you underground to explore these fascinating spaces.