A Cold War-era Royal Observer Corps (ROC) post in Dersingham, Norfolk, has been placed on the market for a guide price of £20,000. This unique bunker, a remnant from the period of heightened tensions during the Cold War, was constructed in 1957 as part of a nationwide system aimed at detecting nuclear threats and assessing potential fallout. Nestled near the royal Sandringham Estate, the post is one of the few remaining intact examples of its kind, as many others have been left to decay or have been demolished over the years.
The auction, scheduled for May 8, highlights a structure that descends 15 feet below ground, accessed via a metal ladder. Inside, the bunker comprises two small rooms; one serves as a basic observation and sleeping area, while the other is fitted with a toilet. Notably, the interior décor is sparse, featuring only essential furnishings that would have been standard at the time, including canvas chairs, a folding table, and metal-framed bunk beds. An asbestos fire blanket hangs on one wall, a safety measure common during the era, and old tin cans and a fire extinguisher can be found on the shelves.
Of particular intrigue is the presence of a naked mannequin inside the bunker, adorned with a blonde wig and fake eyelashes. This unsettling addition has drawn attention and raised questions about the post's state of neglect over the years. The listing photographs depict the bunker’s threadbare walls and a sense of eerie abandonment, further highlighted by the mannequin’s chipped appearance.
Mark Upston from East Anglian Auction House remarked, “This is truly a special opportunity for those who are drawn to properties with historical significance. This post was once a vital part of our defences and will be a treasured asset to a buyer keen on preserving our past.”
During its operational years, which lasted until 1991, the post was staffed by trained volunteers who played essential roles in the monitoring and assessment of potential aerial attacks. The bunker housed critical equipment, including the Fixed Survey Meter, Bomb Power Indicator, and Ground Zero Indicator, vital for the ROC's mission of national security.
Recently, there has been a noticeable surge in interest for such shelters, attributed to increasing geopolitical tensions and fears surrounding potential global conflicts. Reports indicate that hollow shells of similar bunkers are listed on platforms like eBay for upwards of £10,000. Royal Observer Posts are seeing rapid sales, often exceeding their asking prices, as specialist companies pivot to meet this growing demand by offering fully-fitted prefabricated structures. The interest in these historical sites reflects a wider societal concern, as many individuals seek refuge in spaces with historical significance amidst contemporary uncertainties.
Source: Noah Wire Services