Churchill's Secret WWII Tunnels Open To Public

A secret network of wartime underground tunnels beneath the White Cliffs of Dover is being opened after lying forgotten for decades.

Officials at the National Trust, which carried out the extensive restoration of the Fan Bay Deep Shelter, said the subterranean labyrinth was a "time capsule", offering a glimpse into life during World War II.

Bullets, graffiti and even a pools coupon were among the finds during the excavation of the tunnels, which were taken out of action in the 1950s and then filled in with rubble and soil during the 1970s.

The tunnels were dug out of the chalk earth in just 100 days in the 1940s on Winston Churchill's orders to connect Dover's gun batteries.

Some 75ft (23m) deep, they covered an area of 3,500 sq ft (325 sq m) and were reinforced with iron girders and metal sheeting.

After being rediscovered, a major operation was launched to clear the tunnels, which involved the removal of 100 tonnes of debris by hand.

The 18-month project involved more than 50 volunteers, archaeologists, mine consultants, engineers and a geologist.

And now the tunnels are opening to the public, more than 40 years after being sealed up.

Jon Barker, visitor experience manager at the White Cliffs, said: "This rediscovered piece of the country's Second World War heritage is a truly remarkable find.

"There has been no public access to the tunnels for over 40 years and so they remain much as they were when they were abandoned.

"We've carried out extensive conservation work to preserve both the natural decay and authentic atmosphere of the space."

White Cliffs volunteer Gordon Wise said: "Seeing the tunnels in their raw state when they were first discovered, handling artefacts and giving tours is like standing in the footsteps of history."

The site also includes two rare First World War sound mirrors - the precursor of radar - which gave early warning of enemy aircraft.