Nothe Fort is launching a public call-out for anyone with memories, documents, or first-hand experiences relating to the Fort’s Cold War–era nuclear bunker.
As they develop new interpretation and exhibition materials, the team is keen to hear from former staff, volunteers, contractors, or local residents who were aware of, or involved with, the District Control Centre during the 1980s.
Constructed as part of Britain’s civil defence planning in the 1980s, the District Control Centre, as the bunker was officially termed, was intended to remain discreet and operationally hidden, even while Nothe Fort was open as a public museum above ground.
The team at Nothe Fort is especially keen to hear from anyone who:
- Was earmarked to work in the bunker if a nuclear strike had occurred
- Took part in its fitting out, preparation, or operational planning
- Was involved in its decommissioning, clearance, or handover
- Remembers the secrecy surrounding the bunker during the 1980s
These contributions will help build an accurate and engaging interpretation of the site, ensuring that an important chapter of local Cold War history is preserved for future generations.
Lucy Watkins, Co‑General Manager, Nothe Fort says:
“The bunker beneath Nothe Fort was created during one of the most tense periods of the Cold War, yet for many years its role has remained largely unseen. By gathering the memories of those who were connected with it, we can finally bring this part of the Fort’s history to light and help illuminate the wider role Nothe Fort played in civil defence and Cold War communications. Just a small recollection could help us understand a chapter of local history that has never fully been told.”
They’re collecting information via an online form: https://forms.office.com/e/ZexArKgheY