PADDOCK was built at the start of the 2nd World War on the site of the Post Office Research and Development Station in Dollis Hill. Its purpose was to act as an alternative underground control and command centre for Central Government should a devastating air attack on Whitehall force Government to evacuate central London. PADDOCK would provide protected accommodation for the War Cabinet and the Chief of Staff of the air, naval and land forces, acting as a stand-by to the Cabinet War Room that was, from 1938, located in the adapted basement of the Office of Works building in Storey’s Gate, opposite St. James’s Park.
As early as 1937 plans were drawn up to move Central Government out of London to the North West suburbs and if that became unusable a further withdrawal should be made to protected accommodation in the western counties.
Plans of the bunker
MDF
Telephone Exchange
Fire Blanket
The frame of where one of the blast doors would have been.
Original Signage
Map Room
Upper level corridor
Plant Equipment Room
As early as 1937 plans were drawn up to move Central Government out of London to the North West suburbs and if that became unusable a further withdrawal should be made to protected accommodation in the western counties.
Plans of the bunker
MDF
Telephone Exchange
Fire Blanket
The frame of where one of the blast doors would have been.
Original Signage
Map Room
Upper level corridor
Plant Equipment Room
