Join us on an underground, torchlit, tour to explore this amazing hidden wartime complex of tunnels and subterranean factory galleries.

Aviation pioneers the Short Brothers constructed a vast underground air raid shelter and factory to protect their workforce of thousands during the Second World War. Join us to explore this amazing hidden derelict complex, complete with hospital, storerooms, control room, decontamination rooms, manufacturing galleries and literally miles of air raid shelter seating for thousands of employees. This is a unique journey both into history and into the subterranean bowels of Rochester...

Duration: approx 2.5 hours. Local street parking (charges may apply). Meet at the Short Brothers brown heritage wall plaque by the mini roundabout on the Esplanade, Rochester. Post Code ME1 1QP or precise location via the very highly recommended What3Words geolocation app using the three words "hops.manliness.stone". Please wear sturdy shoes - no heels, flip flops etc. Bring an individual torch (one per person). Minimum age 14. No toilet facilities on site. As well as this 1pm tour, there is also a 10am tour listed separately on Eventbrite - click here for details. For further details of other tours of secret and hidden locations, go to www.hiddenhistorytours.uk

Access Statement: This event is for the able-bodied only. There are several steps up and down plus some obstacles to cross such as knee-high brick walls. Total distance walked approx 1 mile. Aside from obstacles, the going is largely flat, packed earth or concrete, underfoot. If you have any doubts, please contact us at hiddenhistorytours.uk@gmail.com before booking.

All images displayed here courtesy of Jo Emery.

Description supplied by the event organiser.