King's Lynn Air Raid Shelter

Two structures, which have lain hidden beneath the Tuesday Market Place in King's Lynn, would have provided protection to people during the Second World War. Whilst they have been undisturbed for years, recent survey work in preparation for the refurbishment of the town's historic square has drawn attention once again to the oft-forgotten air raid shelters, which are just feet below the surface of the Tuesday Market Place.

Believed to have been there since 1940-41, the two shelters are constructed from steel-reinforced concrete. Each shelter is around 8' to 10' deep and together would have accommodated around 350 to 400 people.

You may well find the air raid shelters open and accessible during the town's very popular Heritage Open Day in September each year (see local press or Visit West Norfolk website nearer the time for more information), after the shelter was open to the public for the first time in decades during September 2014 (thousands of curious people entered the shelter during that day).

Stories and/or photos relating to the air raid shelters in the Tuesday Market Place can be sent by e-mail to; contact@west-norfolk.gov.uk