A 1980s nuclear bunker has been found underneath Hexham House.
Bunkers became important around 1984 after a 1955 Strath report made clear the horrifying consequences of nuclear war, declaring in no uncertain terms that even a "limited" nuclear attack could see "the social and economic fabric of the country destroyed".
The Home Office initially hoped to construct specialist protected accommodation with Hexham earmarked as the right spot for the Northern Hub.
The site, located on Alemouth Road, adjacent to the railway line, was in a good position and was already owned by the Crown Estates and there was no need for planning permission required. It was estimated that fitting it out as an RSG cost £750,000.
Leon Brittan, the then Home Secretary, was to take charge in the Hexham bunker, supported by senior members of the police and the armed forces and ancillary staff.
In 1984 the relevant Local Authority in Hexham, the then Tynedale District Council, determined to fulfil their designated part in the Civil ‘Defence’ plans, decided to build their bunker on top of the Manor Office, the Grade 1 listed Old Gaol built in the 14th century.
After abandoning the Old Gaol idea Tynedale Council decided instead to excavate the basement of Hexham House, an 18th century Grade 2 listed building, which was created in 1986.
Speaking about the discovery, Cllr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken said: "We were super excited to find out that there is an old bunker for Tynedale District Council beneath Hexham House – where I have a few of my NCC meetings now, so of course we wanted to go down and look and hoped to add it to our Peace Walk.
"There were seven interconnect rooms, showers, kitchen, heating, air vents – with thick concrete walls and thick, James-Bond style metal doors and reinforced metal ceiling in places where it was not the old brick-arches of the wine cellar.
"I’d love it to be open to the public once or twice a year at this time to remember the horrors of war – I went to Bletchley Park in the summer and think we could easily open a few rooms in that style with historical interest to people visiting or from Hexham.
"However, I have to say the thought of abandoning my family and going down there with fellow councillors didn’t fill me with joy! I think I’d rather take my chance on the outside with my family!
"Unfortunately, the Hexham House bunker is too small to take people down in any great numbers – we had 120 plus on the walk last year for the inaugural event. However, we are adding the pictures and a talk about it at our Community Centre stop on the day - which will be fascinating."
Roger Higgins, Chair of Hexham Civic Society, said: "The former Tynedale Council nuclear bunker is rather incongruously housed beneath the 1723 Georgian house.
"It was strange to think that beneath this current wedding venue, selected officials would have tried to shelter from the devastation that was all-too likely at the height of the cold war and throughout the 1980s."
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