BS: Underground tunnels in Rochester (UK)

Subject: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 08:24 AM

I have a fascination about Man made underground tunnels for instance Old Chalk mine workings and above all Ex Military underground establishments both W.W.2 and Cold War.
Listening stations. underground storage depots ,deep underground Magazines. And Bomb shelters both WW2 and Nuclear.

Having visited only a few in the past because of access restrictions my intrepid Explorations now bring me to the Medway town of Rochester.

Under the Town of Rochester is the top secret WW2 Aircraft factory housed in two huge abandoned underground tunnels.

There are also a number of Chalk mines in the area one can see these quite clearly has you approach Rochester on the Train.
My aim is to Legally visit these places or if indeed access is denied to try to discover has much about them has possible.
Libraries surprisingly from my experience hold little if any reference on such places.
The local authorities turn a deaf ear due to Heath and safety issues.

So I will start by asking

Does anybody know of and can confirm the above mentioned Ex military base and indeed the Chalk workings.
Kind regards Pierre

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Mr Happy
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 08:34 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williamson_Tunnels

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Paul Burke
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 08:40 AM

Pierre, you'll like this site:

UK Urban Exploration

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 08:46 AM

Shouldn't this be a BS thread?

Try the Second World War tunnels under South Heighton, Sussex, and also Newhaven Fort, which is Napoleonic.

Also try the Hellfire Caves at High Wycombe. The sign outside reads

'HELL FIRE CAVES AND TEA ROOM.'

Valmai (Lewes)

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Dead Horse
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 08:47 AM

There have been (and I have seen) articles in local newspapers about folk who disappeared into "large holes suddenly appearing in the ground" around the area of Wainscott etc.
I should imagine that tunnels may well have been dug by French POWs from Napoleonic era all about (under?) Chatham/Gillingham which would have been deemed "Top Secret" at the time, and not widely known about.
I should also conjecture that this area (Chatham/Gillingham) would have been so much more widely dug than than Dover, which is a positive warren of underground workings.
The forts on the Medway islands and surrounding areas are reputed to be so connected. But be warned. There are an awful lot of myths attached to this subject, most of which are pure balderdash.
And as far as I know (not a lot) there is no musical connection, so shouldnt this thread be BS?

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 09:07 AM

And there are the Crowborough Caves , also in Sussex.

Valmai

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 10:26 AM

I am a newbie to Mudcat and if I have posted incorrectly I am sure the moderator will move the thread to its proper place. apologies to all.

Hello folks.
I have done the Hellfire Caves in West Wickham.
The Napoleonic forts at Newhaven and Ramsgate Crockmere Haven Dover Chatham. And I have also done one fort on the Medway. And the tunnels beneath The Seven sisters cliffs.
And the WW2 Listening post in the Cliffs at Berlin Gap.

Sincerely folks I do appreciate all your replies.

But it is the two sites in Rochester that are at present my main and only concerns.

I understand there are tunnels just up the road from the Good Intent public House in Rochester I was informed of this by a friend/Fellow musician when I went to a concert at The GI a few weeks back He lives in Rochester.

I understand there privately owned which is a good thing because I will not trespass but I will write to the owners and try to gain permission from them for a future visit.

I do not do these ventures alone I have a full team of guides from The Chislehurst caves who will come along and if it is a terribly difficult site I will try to approach a team of underground researchers to accompany us. I have found the Rochester Aircraft tunnels on the Internet. Subterranean Britannic. So they definitely exist.
Kind regards to all.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 10:33 AM

The chalk lined tunnel - actually recently relined in concrete) between Higham station and Strood Station was the longest chalk-lined tunnel in Europe - but for the old chalk workings in the middle of it which cut it in half. I know where those chalk workings can be found from overground, but I don't know of any safe access. I think they were Roman or even pre-Roman. The recent re-lining was because of increasingly frequent chalk falls, that were disrupting train services.

The tunnel was originally dug for the Thames and Medway Canal, and it was a "walk-through" tunnel - the men lay on their backs on the cabin of the barges and walked their feet along the tunnel roof, to propel the barges through. The railway company bought the tunnel off the canal company. and filled that bit of the canal in, although a fair bit of water still goes down the tunnel to Strood.

Quite a fair bit of the canal has vanished over the years although the canal basin in Gravesend has only recently started the process of gentrification.   


THere used to be a tunnel from Gads Hill House to Gads Hill School under the A226 - filled in with concrete some years ago.

THere used to be a tunnel from the Rose and Crown in All Hallows to the church under the Stoke Road - filled in with concrete some years ago.


There used to be tunnels from Grain to the Martello towers. Guess what? Yes, concrete!


Threre have been reputed to be smugglers tunnels around All Hallows and the Yantlet since the days of "the Gentlemen" (although the "Gentlemen" were elsewhere) and although there were tales of children going missing I think the smart money is on those tunnels having been ploughed in long since. If you dig too deep near Allhallows you get a spring, not a tunnel!


There are undoubtedly tunnels below Rochester Castle, my late wife went down them as a child on guided tours, but along with the other dpradations of English Heritage at Rochester Castle the tunnels have been closed.


There is supposed to be a tunnel from the cellars of the Coopers Arms to Rochester Castle - or maybe to the Cathedral.


Tere is undoubedly a tunnel complex under Beacon Hill, Chattenden - but don't try for it, it is in active MoD use for a radio network that transmits signals to nuclear submarines...

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 11:33 AM

Richard you are a Mine of information Thank you.
Rochester Castle seems a good place to start digging about. I will write to The Management team this very evening.
If the tunnels under Rochester castle are closed Then I am sure they could be reopened for the correct interested parties. A reference on my behalf from the War Museum and Chislehurst caves would usually unlock barred doors.

Re The Canal tunnels you mention I believe the Aircraft factory was housed within such a tunnel,Thats very interesting.
The main thing is are they accessible these days in regards to just being open so folk can stroll in or are they sealed. If the latter is the case then It is very interesting.

I never approach working Army. Naval or Aircraft bases or M.O.D. sites. One is wasting there time from the beginning. No Way.

I found that out years ago when I went to Fort Halstead. Uninvited.

It is near to where we all camp at Knockholt. When I tapped on the Gate house window I was told to F off by the bulldog inside and that was before I had even had the chance to opened me mouth.

Clearly one is not welcomed at such Establishments.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 12:09 PM

Oh, there's a gorgeous mediaeval vault underneaththe Goerge Vaults Wine bar - the rest of which is given over to unmitagated chavvery. It is owned by Aaron P Stone who also owns the Casino nightclub, regularly featured on those cop TV eality shows about street violence...

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 12:15 PM

"Underground tunnels"??   That's the best kind!

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 12:23 PM

Pierre if you haven't already found this site this is what you want

Rochester tunnels

parent site

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 12:42 PM

In the 70s I worked as a electrician servicing many of the London pubs.
Several of them adjacent to the Thames have 'smugglers tunnels' which were used for transporting contaband from the river to the cellars.
One of the most fascinating pubs was not far from Wellington Barracks in Hyde Park.
I arrived to do some lighting repairs and as I opened the door to go down the cellar one of the customers shouted out "Mind the ghost".
The story I got was that the Duke of Wellington was so unpopular with his men that he had a tunnel dug from the barracks to the pub so he wouldn't have to walk the darkened streets late at night. The tunnel is said to be haunted by the ghost of a soldier who was flogged to death for attacking the duke late one night.
I also worked in a pub in S E London where I was to repair faulty cellar lights. When I arrived I was asked had I brought a ladder - I had a short stepladder on my van. I was told that this was not anything like tall enough.
I found that the pub was built over an abandoned railway tunnel and at one time the ceiling of the tunnel had collapsed. Rather than repair it the company had built a staircase down to the extremely deep tunnel floor.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 02:48 PM

Cut and paste follows 'cos it's sort of bits out of the middle of several pages of stuff: -

"The Medway Forts
Following a Dutch raid in 1667, a ring of forts was built around the town to protect the naval dockyard and these were improved and added to during the Napoleonic Wars. Despite the enormous cost, they never saw a shot fired in anger and Chatham today is still dominated by the largest, called Fort Amherst. Of the others, several have been demolished but some still remain, albeit hidden amongst trees or houses. These forts were smaller versions of the Dover fortifications and, although they had underground features, the local rumours of linking tunnels are not true. Fort Bridgewood, Fort Clarence, Fort Delce, Fort Pitt and Fort Darland have been demolished although a few features may still be found. Fort Borstal, Fort Horsted, Fort Luton, Twydall Redoubt and Grange Redoubt still remain at the time of writing but permission must be obtained from the respective landowners before visits. The most impressive was Fort Amherst and, luckily for posterity, this has been preserved. It is open to the public and volunteers often dress up in period military uniform.

World War I
This marked a change in the pattern of warfare since the fighting took place in the trenches of France and Belgium, with no requirement for new fortifications in Britain. It did bring in a new development, however, whereby men of the Royal Engineers began to tunnel under the enemy trenches to lay explosive charges, hence the derivation of the word 'mine'. The base depot of the Royal Engineers was at Chatham and the area was used to experiment with new techniques of mining, since the local sand and chalk was almost identical to conditions at the Front. Very few of these trial mines were recorded at the time and, although it is likely that many collapsed subsequently, some still turn up in surprising places. The latest example was discovered following a collapse in a Gillingham back garden in 1988.

During the construction of a roundabout at the junction of the A2 and A278 in Gillingham, a set of 6 galleries was found which had been unsuspected. They were found to be on three levels from 20-50ft below the surface, being dug as a model for mining operations under Hill 60 in France and the subsequent battle at Messines. Each gallery consisted of an entrance tunnel which led to six chambers, each 20ft wide x 30ft long x 7ft high. They were in a very dilapidated condition and had to be completely infilled.

World War II and After
.......... It is highly likely that other undisclosed military installations exist in Kent and Sussex that are still regarded as military secrets.



Ramsgate Air Raid Tunnels

............

Rochester Civilians also needed air raid shelters and large communal ones were made by adapting existing tunnel systems at Chatham, Rochester, Sevenoaks and Chislehurst.
.....

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Rapparee
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 05:16 PM

Come to the US, M. Pierre -- and welcome to the Cat House.

Smith & Wesson, the firearms maker, put their entire plant outside Springfield, Mass. underground in the very early days of WW2.

There's a whole section of Seattle, WA which is underground -- the Seattlites can tell you about it.

Even here, in li'l ol' Pocatello, Idaho, there are the stories of the "Chinese tunnels" that went from one business to another and were used for gambling and opium smoking among other things.

You can visit closed military posts: the Presidio in San Francisco, former missile silos, even the massive Cold War bomb shelter at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 04:40 AM

I believe there are also tunnels under Rochester NY...

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 07:02 AM

Pierre - I share your fascination with the under-world.

There are some AMAZING places. The Urban Exploration noted above is in many cities around the world. Some specialize in climbing, others in tunnels, others in underground rivers. I stumbled upon them perhaps 14 years ago when I asked a question in a newsgroup to find information about a very "private" cemetery in Rotterdam, NL. It is a close-knitted community.

I have explored caves and mines (one in particular several times with tunnels reputed to be 50 miles in length and witnessed a circular staircase carved through three levels...locked and sealed by the state mine inspector's office - the bypass is ludicrously simple) I have explored the underground tunnels of universities, and giant drainage ditches (big enough for city buses to drive through) under some of the most expensive real-estate you can imagine. I also like sewer construction and underground brick vaults. WWII military sites and old NIKE silos and train/street-car lines are also good in the urban areas. Old maps in the library. It is ASTOUNDING what is right there. Good resources to cultivate are "clubs" with city managers and engineers and DWP workers and firemen and heads of campus security (cops don't seem to know or be interested in Adventure - perhaps they get there fill in their jobs) Graffiti Artists (another area I enjoy) and Ravers are also aware of some places.

None (of the Good Ones) I know are "on the web" because most folks who know would like to keep it "seldom traffic" and openly accessable. Some of the ones on the web include Disneyland Underground...major universities...and commercial ones like Seattle and Paris - which can lead to off-shooted spurs. Generally it is by introduction...I never would have gotten first access without knowing someone...and learning the route/by-pass/trail...always use a "buddy system."

I would love to explore some of the ones in Italy.

Seek and Ye Shall Find.

Have Fun and Be Safe.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 07:16 AM

I agree that active military bases are nothing to mess with ... some friends have had experiences that make for amusing tales in later years...I got in trouble even getting a haircut in C.Springs.

Avoid airports too.

When questioned by "concerned citizens" we quickly pass with references to a well known and respected "Conservation Club."

Welcome to the Mudcat.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

This place never ceases to surprise me.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:21 AM

There is an extensive system of tunnels under the campus of the University of Notre Dame (yes, THAT place). And do you have any idea what's under their football stadium?

A rifle range.

Built in the 1940s as part of the Navy's V-12 program it was used up until at least the late 1970s by the ROTC; it's been closed because of lead hazard since. I understand from someone who shot there that it damned COLD down there.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:23 AM

Rafflesbear. That is The Rochester Seaplane / Aircraft Tunnels thank you very much. They look more like Train tunnels. From the out side.

They must have been the Canal tunnels Richard mentioned and the authorities just added features to them like adjoining tunnels and audits toilets etc. What a fascinating place to Explore.

Thanks Jim Carroll & Richard.
Indeed the most unlikely places do hide The most interesting places. When I used to guide Chislehurst Caves at the end of the day I would always make for the nearest pub for a pint or Six and has the years went by The locals gave me The Nick Name Caveman Pete. The Pub in question is the Bickley Arms.
The landlord told me once that The cellar of the Bickley Arms had Windows in it which immediately got my attention. Why would a pubs cellar well below ground level have windows. I asked The Landlord if I could view these features and he led me through the pub and down a stone staircase some 20ft in to the Brick-lined cellar. WoW and behold there in front of me was not one but two Victorian Box Sass windows.

Has I surveyed my surrounding I pointed out to the Landlord what I thought were at least two false walls indicating what was once a much larger cellar. On a return visit I went through one of the windows and found myself in a bricklined tunnel identical to the bricks of the cellar on the other side. I had borrowed three torches and a number of oil-lamps from the Chislehurst caves and with some friends who promised to await eagerly for my return pub side I ventured along this brick-lined tunnel some 2ft wide and 6ft high smothered in cobwebs.
Everyone back at the window was hollering and shouting after me and I shout back giving info to what lay ahead. Absolutely nothing but brick-lined passages. Then suddenly I found meself coming across a large square hole and the remains of what was once a shoot from the surface and I could see pinpoints of daylight shining in from what was the surface some 12ft above me. Pin holes of daylight to the left was clearly a bricked up door way again fashioned from the same brickwork has everywhere else. With no else else to go in any direction I went back the way I came and found meslf back at the windows with me friends awaiting there. I climbed back in to the cellar shut the window behind me and Said

I think I have just found my way into the coal and beer shoot of the former pub of this site The Tap.
The Tap was knocked down and the Bickley Arms constructed with the coming of the Railway to Chislehurst .

They simple built over the old cellar and constructed everything else above and around it by sealing up parts of the original huge cellar.I think the windows may have been installed so has to increase/ decrease ventilation in the new pub. Which was a pub but also a station Hotel. The Bickley Arms Hotel.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:48 AM

John those Planes without a shadow of a doubt would have been fashioned from the

Sea Plane Factory housed in the tunnels in photos above suppled with thanks from Rafflesbear. I have got to get down there.

The public air raid shelters in Rochester are a completely different system of tunnels. These are old chalk working similar to the Chislehurst workings where I used to guide.

I think these may be The tunnels Growler told me about at the Good Intent but I felt concern on his behalf towards me that they are on private property and for me to stay away.

Rapaire
Indeed you do share the same fascination has me.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 09:20 AM

I have Just Emailed Rochester Castle in Regards to there underground tunnels and the one time guided tours of them. Thanks Richard.

If I some how doubt permission will be granted to go around this site. We will see.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 10:03 AM

I have just spoken to Rochester Castle.

The present day management Rochester Council who have occupied the site for nine years have no knowledge of tunnels under the castle but know of a rumored tunnel that goes from the castle to Temple Manor. Where ever that is. Cant be far Imagine.

In reference to guided tours of the tunnels beneath Rochester castle they are in complete denial and refereed me to Fort Amhurst in Chatham which I have done scores of times.

I feel a visit to Rochester Archives is a must to get to this bottom of this.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 10:59 AM

Try the tunnels in Liverpool, too.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: GUEST,strad
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 12:11 PM

Bristol, too.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 12:31 PM

Rapaire & strad.

Do the tunnels in Liverpool and Bristol by any chance link up with the Rochester Tunnels.
Rumour and supersition thrives in these places.

For Instance Take Dick Turpin The Highway man.

There is a Dick Turpin Cave In Woolwich. another one in Abbey wood. yet another in Welling.

There is another one In Caddington in Bedfordshire. and another one in Royston. Every where there is a Chalk mine Dick Turpin sought refuge in it. That Horse of his Black Bess must have been some bloody horse I mean they got a bout a bit did they not?

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: GUEST,John from Kemsing
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 12:37 PM

Not to forget Reigate.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Art Thieme
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 03:11 PM

Here in the USA, ROCHESTER in the state of Minnesota is the home of the amazing healing complex called MAYO CLINIC.

Under their sprawling maze of buildings are tunnels that make it possible, during terribly snowy Minnesota winters, to go from appointment to appointment without having to traverse ice and snow covered walkways and streets with a walker or in a wheelchair.

I came into this thread certain that it was going to be about Rochester, Minnesota.

But no!!!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 05:26 PM

Pierre, just to mention that the canal tunnel is on the western side of the Medway starting immediately after the curve northwards from Strood station and housing the railway to Gravesend

There are excellent aerial views of the tunnel (well as good a view of a tunnel as you can get from the air!) - including the short stretch of open line in the middle - on Windows Live Search maps, Birds Eye view

Where the railway turns south the canal went straight on into the Medway and it looks like there is still a hint of where the the two joined

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 07:18 PM

That part is accessed from Canal Road (from the Rochester Bridge end) and Canal Wharf, from the other side, both of which used to have good scrapyards!

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:28 PM

The Liverpool tunnels were built by a mad Liverpudlian in the 19th Century.

Every building on the campus of St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, is connected by tunnel. This permits the young ladies to go from dorm to library to chapel at 2 a.m., if the library was open then.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Sawzaw
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 11:21 PM

Aren't tunnels by default, underground?

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Amos
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 11:35 PM

Now, some are under snow, for example, or ice.
Some are within elevated structures like termite mounds.

A

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 11:38 PM

To: Sawzaw

No - I believe not.

I have been through some in rafters and crawl-spaces overhead...I have also been through some in the mind, as in D&D....I have been subjected to visuals (not my own PTL!) of oscopy exploring tunnels within living creatures.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Cluin
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 12:16 AM

Watch out for CHUDS, Morlocks, and giant alligators.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Sawzaw
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 12:27 AM

I see, said the blind man.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 10:41 AM

Not all tunnels are under ground.
I visited a house in Chislehurst believed by it occupants to have tunnels under it and found meself crawling through the stilt brick foundations that supported the House.

Ironically a bit like The Bickley Arms Adventure I mention in the above Thread.

Rafflesbear I will look into that from Google Earth Thanks.

In the Half Stone Mines in Godstone Surry there is the remains of a Dead Shire Horse.
And a fitting plaque carved into the Sandstone crediting the creature for its hard work.
It appears quite clearly the unfortunate creature was shot through the Head.
Richard Re Scrape yards.
Outside surrounding the entrance of The above was once a compound which was littered with a assortment of Volvos a graveyard indeed.

It appears the owner of the place had a liking for such things. There is a couple of those half timbered Morris Minors also. all rotting away. Covered in green slime.
A fitting reminder to a bygone age. The volvos are The 244s ? Im no expert. But from memory

They are The Volvo, Estates where once inside, if you did not put your seat belt on you had a big red square box on the dashboard that flashed and let out a irritating clicking noise untill one went quite Mad, That you put the bloody thing on.

Such things are common in cars these days but I think Volvo were the first to introduce it back in the mid 80s. I am sure it was the Volvo 244DL.

The Camden Chalk mines in Chislehurst are littered with junk because they are housed these days at the rear of a builders yard and the builder has filled the enterence with all his site rubbish. Old cement mixers and bags of gone off cement.

I scrambled the builders mountain of rubble and got in through a hole some 2ft wide and 18 inches high for some 15ft then broke out in to the main workings. I spent about half hour down there and venture out with a tin bearing the name.

                            J&F Bell.
                            Three Nuns Tobacco.
                            Empire Blend.
                            Glasgow.
                            The Tobacco of Curious Cut.

I still have it and have found a image of it on the internet under the above name.

In the Listening post at Berlin Gap I found a pair of ladies M&S Knickers hanging off the ventilation ducting, I believe they were white once upon a time but they had turned a Marsian Red colour and hung in tatters stained Green. The Red and Green caused by acids in the vent duct staining the material.
I hasten to add I did not keep them.
Regards to all Pierre.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 10:48 AM

Amos

Re
Now some are under Snow, for example Ice.
some are in elevated structures like Termite mounds.


that a very cute reply Well done.
Pierre.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 04:14 PM

Google Earth is ok Pierre but Windows live search gives you four different low level angles on each view using 'Birds Eye' all in very good definition especially when you zoom in - I recommend it

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 11:32 AM

Raffles bear thats great Re above much better then Google Earth.

Today I returned to Rochester
It weird Rochester castle denies having tunnels beneath the Castle ,Yet The purple headed bar maid in The Nags Head Rochester Tells me its a well known fact there Is tunnels beneath the castle.. I must admit I have had this Par-larva before where Tunnels/mines well known by the locals are denied by the councils etc.


My wanderings today took me to The splendid Rochester Cathedral another place where secret tunnels are supposed to be.

I inquired of the curet re tunnels and he was a bit more interesting to talk to stating that there was a number of tunnels both to + from the Cathedral but today they are all filled in. Its a stunning cathedral really magnificent.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pistachio
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 06:44 PM

If you, or anyone else is interested there is a wonderful underground complex south of Berlin, Germany, called Zossen Wunsdorf. Disguised above ground by 'houses' of solid concrete which deceived the eye of pilots flying over. The gardens were maintained, washing was hung out and flowers grew in window boxes! It was a 4+ floors down, military command centre with its own daily train to Moscow, such was its importance. Used by East Germans and Soviets it it the most fascinating bunker township and there were daily tours when I visited in 2005.
Hazel.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 27 Mar 09 - 05:45 AM

Thanks Pistachio.
I will look it up on the internet.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Peter T.
Date: 27 Mar 09 - 10:02 AM

In the 19th century, there were rumours that there were tunnels from Rochester, N.Y., under Lake Ontario to Canada for the Fenians to sneak over (somewhat akin to the rumours that the Catholic churches had armouries in their basements awaiting the moment when the Pope would sound the call to arms and murder all good Protestants).

I assume this was all untrue.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Mar 09 - 06:47 AM

Monsieur Chapeau

The current edition of the council magazine "Medway News" reports that with the aid of a £154,000 grant, a team of one professional and several volunteer archivists are for the next three years to catalogue 500 boxes of the Rochester City archives dating from 1227 (yes, 1227) to 1974.

If there are records of tunnels under Rochester, that is quite a likely place to find them.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 28 Mar 09 - 06:58 AM

Thanks Richard I will get on to that I will be revisiting Rochester soon for I have to pick up a guitar in nearby Chatham.

I went to Rochester The other day but returned disappointed when I uncovered nothing of any interest apart from the Cathedral and a purple headed bar maid..

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Mar 09 - 09:02 AM

http://cityark.medway.gov.uk/

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Art Thieme
Date: 28 Mar 09 - 04:23 PM

Patty Hearst(remember her?) was never the same again after enduring the inclement climate she encountered, and bought into, when she met up with the Weather Underground!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 28 Mar 09 - 06:14 PM

Aye Art - It doesn't take a weather man to know which way the wind blows.

I'll stay with Johnny in the basement mixing up the medicine.

SIncerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: Pierre Le Chapeau
Date: 04 Apr 09 - 05:33 PM

I,ll be on the sidewalk looking out for the Government.

Subject: RE: Underground tunnels in Rochester,
From: GUEST,Kyn
Date: 04 Apr 09 - 06:41 PM

My forum arranges visits to Shorts Underground Seaplane Works twwice a year, you are more than welcome to join us however the next trip will not be until October 2009!

www.kenthistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2386.0

You will also find alot of information about local tunnels and bunkers not to mention anything else concerning Kents History.