Air Raid Shelter - Upper Bucklebury

PRIVATE PROPERTY - ACCESS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - CANDIDATE LISTING

Early 1940’s, builder unknown (probably local military). Note: The decorative brickwork style used in construction makes a military origin for the shelter questionable – discussed at the Panel meeting on 31st March 2025, and added as an advisory for future reference if documentation comes to light.

The bungalow was reputedly used by the US military as a command centre and/or lodgings for a senior officer/officers during WW2
(information not evidenced in sources, but provided from local memory). The air raid shelter is presumed to have been built at this time for use by military officers and staff based there. There was a WW2 camp on Bucklebury Common, so the bungalow would have been well placed for administration of this camp.
The existence of the shelter was not known by the Archaeology Service at West Berkshire Council until notified by the Forum. Survivals of this type are rare, and this one is in fair condition, given its location. Its value lies in its link with the local military connection from WW2, and in the rarity of its survival.