Monument record 7304/0/1 - WWII air raid shelter, Kingsway

A hexagonal bell-shaped concerte shelter which stStands on boundary between 43 and 45 Kingsway

{1} Described as hexagonal bell-shaped concerte shelter. Stands on boundary between 43 and 45 Kingsway, 17.5m from the rear of both properties, “with a doorway into each garden. The houses were built in the late 1930’s, possibly 1937.” “The shelter is constructed from shuttered concrete throughout with no visible joins or cracks. Externally, the top is overgrown with dense ivy. From the garden of No.45 two concrete steps lead down to a semi-sunken entrance passage. The far entrance from the garden of No.43 is covered with a sheet of steel. Two further steps to the right lead down into the hexagonal chamber of the shelter, through a wooden door composed of four vertical planks in a wooden frame, which may be original” Wooden bench/shelf against far wall may be post-war in date when used for growing mushrooms and later for storing logs. “The shelter is in very good condition and is dry throughout.”
“In all respects, the shelter is very similar to that recorded at 59 Greenfield Road” (GC note: the latter being some c3km to the ESE; report submitted to SMR June 2005). This is clearly a local type, which must make them something of a rarity.”

{3} Refers to dispute which has developed regarding ownership of the shelter. Depending upon outcome – some fears that shelter may be demolished.

<1> Armishaw, A., 2007, Air Raid Shelter at 43-45 Kingsway, Northampton, (unchecked) (Letter). SNN107279.

<2> Armishaw, A., 2007, Air Raid Shelter at 43-45 Kingsway, Northampton, (checked) (Photographic prints (COL)). SNN107280.

<3> Armishaw, A., 2007, Air Raid Shelter, Kingsway, Northampton, (unchecked) (Letter). SNN107281.

Record last edited

Mar 16 2018 10:23AM