A bunker that was created in the Cold War-era has been brought to market with a guide price of £20k. The Dersingham Royal Observer Corps (ROC) post in Norkfolk, was once part of a huge network of observation posts up and down the country, built as part of an early warning system to detect impending nuclear attack and calculate its fallout.
This particular post is buried in the land on the north-east side of Chalk Pit Road and has been brilliantly preserved. Privately owned since 1992, the piece of history will be auctioned for a guide price of £20,000 (plus fees) in Auction House East Anglia's May auction.
This fascinating lot was constructed in the aftermath of the Second World War and during the emerging Cold War. It features two key constructions: a concrete Class A Orlitt hut above ground and a hidden underground bunker.
Both structures were completed due to the heightened threat of nuclear war. The Orlitt hut first emerged in key locations around the country to allow the ROC to monitor and assess possible attacks by aircraft.
As the danger from aircraft reduced and the possibility of missile attack increased, underground monitoring posts were subsequently constructed to provide additional fallout protection. The Dersingham post was built in 1957 and was Post 12 of Group Six in Norwich.
It and hundreds of other posts were manned by trained uniformed volunteers from the 1950s through to 1991, when the last posts were closed and either demolished or sold off. Most remaining posts are in a derelict condition.
A metal ladder leads you down 15 feet into the bunker, which was constructed in a uniform style. There are two rooms in total; the smaller of the two contained the toilet while the large room was used for observation and sleeping.
While in use, it would have been kitted out with standardised furniture in the form of canvas chairs, a folding table, shelf, cupboard and a pair of metal-framed bunk beds. Three vital pieces of equipment would also have been housed here: the Fixed Survey Meter, the Bomb Power Indicator and the Ground Zero Indicator.
Each hut was designed to house three observers, with each volunteer tasked with specific duties. This unique property comes with approximately 0.12 acres of land, which offers enviable views over the surrounding landscape.
The site could be re-equipped to echo the post’s heyday and become a miniature museum, be reimagined as a special getaway for the new owner or used as a pop-up campsite. The 28-day rule means the land can be used for temporary stays for up to 28 days in a calendar year without planning permission being needed.
Auction House East Anglia Area Manager, Mark Upston, commented: “This is truly a special opportunity for those who are drawn to properties with historical significance. This post was once a vital part of our defences and will be a treasured asset to a buyer keen on preserving our past.”
If you want to be a part of this property’s history, please get in touch with Auction House East Anglia on 01553 777 773 to arrange a viewing.
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