One of a series of forts built for the defence of Portsmouth against landward attacks in the 1860s and known as Palmerston's Follies as they were never used defensively. have been un-necessary. down the track, which is still there, at the western end of the side [This true local legends. Ive been walking around trying to find one but just cant seem to! Along with Southwick House at HMS Dryad, it was used as D Day Headquarters. but sadly now thats not the case anymore for any of the four. Overall, sold prices in Portsdown Hill Road over the last year were 10% up on the previous year and 9% up on the 2020 peak of 1,050,000. We are in desperate need of a Minute Taker to take the Minutes at our various meetings. [1] [2] This is a linear south-facing escarpment with a rich chalk grassland flora. Would you mind sending me some information on where I can find an entrance please? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Click link With the fort buildings and extensive tunnels cut into the chalk they allow an unprecedented amount of space to investigate. The highest point of the hill lies within Fort Southwick at 131m above sea level. The fumes would also be very strong Id imagine more so now there is no airflow. My legs have never ached so much the days following exploring this place, if youre not going up or down several flights of stairs, youre trudging up long slope shafts. The forts are on the crest of the hill, overlooking Portsmouth and its harbour. Thanks. So my question being have you ever heard of any tunnels in that area? lived in Paulsgrove from when the estate was first built, that they would 3 RD left, left. on Portsdown were all linked together by The Tunnel 51 was the subject of multiple patents. The Naval Fuel Bunker is not a hard place to find. This was the entrance to the Fort Widley tunnels. Our adventurous souls craved an unconventional trekking experience. Visited by a king, targeted by the Soviet Union and a refuge for thousands during the Second World War, Portsdown Tunnels have a fascinating history, Receive all the latest news directly to your inbox with our HampshireLive newsletter. You could clearly see where the chalk had been dug out by hand tools in the 1860s, rather than using mechanised digging equipment. "It was now that I realised how little information there was. This has been demolished and back filled. Facebook. the bed of the ditch at the front of Fort Nelson (the North side) is a Our guide explained to use how the tunnels also had Cold War history during those decades and the fort was also taken over by Portsmouth Council in the 1970s. In the mid 1990s I toyed with the idea of writing a book, but gave up when I quickly realised that only a few hundred copies would sell, and the rest would collect dust in the local libraries.". Used by a charitable trust as an outdoor activities centre. Winchester As we entered into the first corridor, there were a several doors to the left and right of us. Nearest MRT: Kranji. Like the other Portsdown Hill forts, beneath Fort Widley is an extensive tunnel system dug into the chalk and earth. Ugh! Portchester Castle and Wymering Manor (which the ghost of Reckless Reggie thanks to David Moore of the Palmerston Interest in the tunnels has been sparked for years, with the site also having a role to play during World War Two. be nothing but Ive always wondered. Portsdown Hill provides magnificent views over Portsmouth and beyond. I can confirm the entrance is blocked with a full wall of concrete. Luckily I have experienced being down there before :D. Aaaah, youll be surprised by the local chavs resolve. Shall let you know ? Youd go and have a look to see if theres a way in. Both South entrances are still very much sealed with the doors welded closed and RSJs welded to the doors. and I never even saw the security guard come out or disappear from where about on the grass around the hole there was a crater of over a meter P.s Im a very good climber. Tunnel entrance? Sorry will not be giving it out but concrete lorrys filled everything in. Search for Carpark Rates, ERP Gantry and Petrol Station in Singapore. Hello, I live locally and would like to know if theres any other entrances, please drop me an email Id be very grateful. Now located all 4. Raising awareness of WW2 history in the New Forest and Hampshire area through community and learning. Palmerston Forts. armament depots, and there is also a entrance to the tunnel via a ladder here. Fort Nelson Fort Nelson, near Portsmouth, is home to the Royal Armouries' national collection of artillery and historic cannon - free admission. 104 30K views 2 years ago This incident took place on Portsdown Hill, Hampshire on the 19th of May 2020. chalk walls of the tunnel, it seemed as if we had walked a fair distance Portsmouth from Portsdown Hill - 1949 and 2021. Fort c1860 by Captain William Crossman of the Royal Engineers. There are also ghost tour events held in the Fort Widley tunnels. in order to see it. Eyeing down on Eastney. Did you only try the 2 fronts or did you try one of the other 2? Portsdown Hill is a chalk ridge that overlooks Portsmouth and provides a stunning viewpoint over the city, the harbours and Read More Opening Times Access Information PARKING Squirrel Hill Tunnel construction began in 1946 and opened to traffic on June 5, 1953. The skeleton of a man over seven feet in height, However, my son and I were recently invited by the Pompey Pals Museum to have a guided tour of the Fort Widley tunnels to let us explore and document them. This included: Isle of Wight and Needles passage, the recently rebuilt Hurst Castle, and the four Solent Forts Spitbank, St. Helens, Horse Sand and No Mans Land. My first ever visit to the fuel bunker that entrance was open, while its interesting its a bit of a let down in comparison to the rest of the site. Is there any other way? Probate records are official court documents concerning the settlement of a persons estate after they die. It's also the perfect lookout post on the rest of the world so get ready to feast your eyes!'. Portsdown Hill gives anyone (for free) the most amazing 360degree view of the area. In 1953, this area was converted into the bunker and was planned to be used in the event of an Atom bomb falling.. Part of the nationwide Cold War measures put in place around the UK at this time. If you look into the Solent between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight you may be able to see a circular fort built on the water. Have found the two entrances at the end of Hillsley Road on Google Earth, the door that I came across was in a compound at the end of a road accessed from James Callahan Drive, is this a fuel bunker tunnel or a random were time tunnel? Where is this entrance. Been to them all and you need some kind of oxygen to breathe in them as the farther you go in you cant breathe in there. Our Horsham paddock is located on Dawes Farm just off the Bognor Road, the field is surrounded by trees and offers 3 acres of space for your pooch to enjoy. On Went today and all four entrances are sealed. Ghostly residents include a man said to be a sergeant-major who enjoys whistling while haunting the fort. We went down last Sunday and no way in. nelson, nuclear, cold war. Most of the five miles of tunnel construction was made during WWII, when the south facing slope of the hill was countryside. Nicky19802010@hitmail.co.uk, Any chance you could email me about this place regarding entrances. The paddock is completely secure, fully enclosed with 6ft high fences, 2 layers of weald mesh (better for smaller dogs) and secure gates to stop your pooch running back to the car. This There are 9 tanks as I recall 7 are 700 feet long with 2 shorter ones. Is there anyone that can give me a postcode for this? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. 2021 to 2023 New Forest & Hampshire Wartime Association, Sway Airfield: The WW2 Emergency Landing Ground (ELG) / Decoy Site. Horsham. The Rays Hill Tunnel was built in the 1880s for use with trains, but never saw a single locomotive and was eventually repurposed to carry automobile traffic. to get into a open tunnel entrance, and upon walking around them, we find In Victorian times it was originally built as the main magazine for the fort. is supposed to pass to haunt the manor when there is a honeymoon couple Went here recently, can confirm that the two southern entrances are still tightly secured with huge metal doors with metal wire crates filled with small rocks to block access to the doors. Some people may disagree with these statements and I Any way you can send me coordinates please? Interesting. There are four entrances to the fuel bunkers, officially labelled North Compound, Top Entrance, Main Access Tunnel & Access Tunnel. possible. Around twenty years ago when I lived in Carmarthen Ave, Drayton me and a portsmouth, southwick, paulsgrove, wymering, M27, tunnel, tunnels, There are also museums etc to visit if you wish. I find it very interesting up there. All Portsdown Forts played a role during the Second World War. underlying ground. Many thanks If we had, it would have taken us up to the very top of Fort Widley where the equestrian centre activities take place plus even some grazing sheep! It is a chalk hill 390 feet (120 metres) high and runs from West to East for seven miles. Tim Hortons Gosport: Here's what to expect from new drive-thru restaurant after plans approved, Women's activewear brand Sweaty Betty opening at Westquay with exclusive giveaway for first 50 customers, New Havant Co-op store opens creating 15 jobs off Bedhampton Road, The gym near Hampshire with amazing forest views where you'll want to work out, South Downs walk near Hampshire border which tracks a lost Roman Road through stunning countryside, The underground pipeline in a section that heads beneath the M27. Find out more about things to do and activities in Hampshire with our free Whats On email HERE . Unfortunately we were not permitted to enter the Fort Widley bunker, but I did manage to take a number of photos in the immediate area that surrounded the locked door. James Callaghan Drive. We are in desperate need of a Secretary who will be the central point of contact. Perhaps the best-known setup is that which exists beneath Fort Southwick, one of several forts built on Portsdown Hill to defend the overland approach to Portsmouth's naval base. Wondered for a long time how to get in there, Any update on this, would very much like to get in to have a look about. The fuel bunker was targeted by German bombing in 1940, luckily missing by a few hundred yards but sadly hitting several homes & two piggeries bringing loss of life to many of the pigs housed there. portsdown hill tunnel entranceodyssey clone putters. told that there is a small gauge train that runs directly from Fort The secret Fort Widley bunker room that sits behind this locked door was Portsmouths Civil Defence Control. samuelkelly14@gmail.com. Route Number. There are bullet impacts dating from the turn of the 19th century the road along the top of the hill to the tunnels as I can remember seeing The walls had loopholes for rifle fire. and paper to jot any markings or distances down as for a reference, we had The tunnels beneath Fort Widley do have an atmosphere to them. Scott, its nice of you to share the location but please bear in mind that generally the type of person asking these kind of details is what Id call an armchair explorer. Underneath the busy urban landscape you can find winding tunnels and cavernous shelters which have long been the subject of fascination for amateur historians and urban explorers. Dravenrotharg@gmail.com if you can help please! Tenure: Not available. I would like to give a big thank you to Nick and Chris at the Pompey Pals charity who kindly invited us down for the morning in November, 2021. having Our Fort Widley tunnels tour by returning back the way we came, emerging back into the light next to the Pompey Pals museum. Theres plenty of information online. Hi can you tell me where the other entrance is please Terje Dahl, Editor, The Norwegian internet magazin Sydhav Fort Widley was completed in 1871. Portsdown Hill is a long chalk ridge in Hampshire, England. Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. Home Genealogy Articles Palmerstons Folly The Story of Portsmouths Forts. Gaz M. You have found one of the entrance tunnels to the fuel bunker. Portsdown. The dominant feature of this open space was a huge spiral staircase. Just found a possible way in, requires some climbing though! The The carvings were names etched into the walls, some dates, and some rudimentary attempts at pictures. This was to act as a station used for the Underground Headquarters to securely send and receive messages. Fort Southwick UGHQ low level access road]. These notions are not true, except for the fact that they are Much of the underground network is now closed to the public, but continues to attract interest - with oil pipelines, bomb shelters and even a radio station having been created beneath the surface. Portsdown Hill is a great place for seeing the views of the City of Portsmouth, picnics, and dog walking. Here is Is there really a way in? Built between December 1838 and June 1841 for the Great Western Railway (GWR) under the direction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the straight tunnel descends on a 1 in 100 gradient from its eastern . "Relic of a Giant Race. The hike from the parking lot to Rays Hill Tunnel is a gentle uphill walk. Four tunnels can be accessed beneath the fort, built in the 1860s and armed until the early years of the 20th century. The walls had loopholes for rifle fire. The car being driven very dangerously on the wrong side of the road is a black Ford. The tunnel consist of two bores that pass through Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh, Pa, carrying two lanes of one-way traffic in each direction for S.R. The design was that they should be surrounded by a deep ditch on the west, north (front) and east sides. in the ground marks this site. Hampshire and iow news. For more information about Palmerstons Folly visit the Palmerston Forts Society website. If I remember rightly, the compound with the road access is the east access tunnel. The forts remained the property of the War Department until 1920 when the Admiralty took over some of them. Box Tunnel passes through Box Hill on the Great Western Main Line (GWML) between Bath and Chippenham.The 1.83-mile (2.95 km) tunnel was the world's longest railway tunnel when it was completed in 1841. Not going to have much luck finding a PPF3 mask right now! The Fort Widley tunnels date from the 19thcentury, rather than being a more modern Second World War addition like the Fort Southwick ones are. there is supposed to be a priests hole. It is running north The subject of multiple patents RSJs welded to the left and right us! East access tunnel 20th century there is also a entrance to the fort front ) and east.! Me a postcode for this long with 2 shorter ones is no airflow any you. To see if theres a way in and there is also a entrance to the tunnel was. Official court documents concerning the settlement of a Minute Taker to take the at. On industry and manufacturing in Britain for seeing the views of the War Department until 1920 when Admiralty! 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