Fort Halstead
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Fort Halstead has been vital to the defence of England. In 1892 a protective ring of fortresses was built around London to keep out any would-be invaders. The idea was that they should be manned by volunteers in the event of a crisis and one of them was built at Halstead, high on the downs.
It was never really used until the take-over many years ago by the Government who placed its Ministry of Supply there and then it became the headquarters of the Royal Armament and Research Development.
They have employed thousands of people over the years, who have had to sign the official secrets act, but it’s no secret that Britain’s first atom bomb was developed at Fort Halstead under the directorship of Williams Penny. The bomb was conveyed in a frigate to Australia and successfully exploded in the Monte Bellow islands.
In 1955 when people were concerned about nuclear attack, the local council came to the conclusion that Fort Halstead could be a Soviet target, so many strenuous efforts were made to protect citizens before it was too late. They spoke about bunkers and slit trenches and places safe from radioactive fall-out but by the time the debates were finished the scare was over.
Fort Halstead is currently occuppied by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.
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[edit] References
- Ogley, Bob. "Off the beaten track: Halstead", BBC, April 12, 2006.
