The full story behind the 'Second World War bunker' hidden in a Tunbridge Wells garden

The Cave Club visits the underground war-time bunker in Hargate Forest in Tunbridge Wells on December 7, 1979. 
The complex had two long tunnels with eight rooms leading off. Tunbridge Wells might have been the HQ of a self-governing South Eastern Region if German landings had been successful
-Credit:Kent and Sussex Courier


An apparent Second World War "bunker control room” in Tunbridge Wells at threat from development has sparked controversy in recent weeks.

The description of the bunker, near Pembury, in planning documents ignited immediate interest in the site.

If it was verified by heritage experts at the large garden off Tonbridge Road, it would have added to Tunbridge Wells ’ fascinating history of tunnels and bunkers.

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An official objection was made against the plans for a 76-bed nursing and ‘step-down care’ home at Owlsnest Wood, a large house in grounds which shares a boundary with Notcutts Garden Centre.

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The objector had wondered if the Second World War pillbox nearby could be linked to the mysterious bunker.

There is already a connection to war-time operations in Tunbridge Wells. Many know the fascinating history of Hargate Bunker which is across town in Hargate Forest off Broadwater Down.

The main gallery of the Hargate Forest bunker showing the extensive flooding which was always a problem - but the structure for the underground HQ was never needed
The main gallery of the Hargate Forest bunker showing the extensive flooding which was always a problem - but the structure for the underground HQ was never needed -Credit:Kent and Sussex Courier

It was built in 1941 for 12th Corps, Q Branch.

Drawings and plans of the bunker show many chambers and rooms. Explorers in 1979 even discovered a table, chairs and a War Office issue lightshade, said Steve Sullivan in his fascinating blog Blighty At War.

He said the bunker was in limited use by 12th Corps Signals for about 12 months.

“By late 1942 it became clear that the bunker had a flooding problem being built as it was in semi-porous sandstone and clay,” he said.

In 1946 it was sealed up by the Ministry of Defence.

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General Montgomery denied in 1969 that it had been built as his war-time HQ but whether constructed for him or another leader, it is believed to have been part of the country's readiness for Nazi invasion.

The truth

With this rich history in mind, it is perhaps unsurprising there were calls for the structure at Owlsnest to be investigated by heritage experts before a decision was made on whether or not to approve the development.

However it was not long before the truth about the “Owlsnest bunker” was revealed - by the man who had helped build it.

In a letter to the council’s planning department, Mark Wood, who lived there for 32 years, said: “I helped my father build the so called bunker. He was slightly eccentric and was always doing so called projects.

“The bunker was built in the 1980s out of two 20ft shipping containers and the roof was made of old Tyler concrete gutters. The so called control room was a printing plate with all the light switches cut into it. Sadly it is not circa second world war.”

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But for those with an interest in any links the site has with the past, Mr Wood said: “The only piece of historical relevance to Owlsnest is that the lake was man made by the owners of Pembury Grange in Victorian times with a walkway all the way round and a large fountain used to run in the centre of the lake. The large pipe is still there just below the surface.”

Town Hall planners have recommended the development is approved.

Described as offering private nursing care and “step down care” for Tunbridge Wells Hospital, which is opposite the site, the Encore Care Home would have two libraries, dining rooms, living rooms along with treatment rooms, hairdressers and many other parts.

A similar application, but with 20 care lodges in the grounds, was refused two years ago.