Simon Marks, a 37-year-old resident, stumbled upon an intriguing discovery that had eluded his notice despite his years at the property. While attempting to park his car one day, what appeared to be a simple flowerbed turned into an unexpected obstacle. Wheels stuck and eerie cracks echoed from the driveway, prompting Simon to investigate further. Kneeling down, he found that the bricks had fractured, revealing something hidden beneath.
Unearthing a piece of metal buried beneath the soil, Marks, perplexed, attempted to extract it but found it firmly lodged. Seeking assistance, he called his father, and together, they cleared away layers of compacted earth, unveiling an opening. Descending a rusty old ladder, they found themselves in an unexpected structure—a relic of World War II.
“My father immediately recognized it as an air raid shelter,” Marks shared. “Research confirmed there were several in this vicinity.” Constructed during wartime to shield people from bombings, the bunker had been concealed during the house’s construction.
Marks speculated, “The previous owner must have known and filled it in while building the house and garden.” Though they found one bricked-up wall, they were unsure if there were further sections sealed off during construction. Despite this uncertainty, Marks intended to preserve the shelter, acknowledging its historical significance.
Capturing images of the find, Marks shared his tale, quickly capturing widespread attention. Determined to restore the shelter with his father, Marks emphasized the importance of honoring history, stating that even as time moves forward, understanding the past remains crucial. For a firsthand look at the shelter, the video below provides a tour.