Second World War air raid wardens post at the Old Prince of Orange public house, Windmill Street, Gravesend. Judging from a mention of its central heating, the post, probably established by 1939/40, appears to have been within the public house premises. It was one of a network of posts serving the area of Gravesend Council and was a loacl focus in the incident reporting chain for cordinating the emergency services in the event of injury or damage resulting from an air raid. Its wardens also enforced blackout restrictions. This may have been temporary use of public house accommodation because it is not mentioned in any record after January, 1940. The public house still exists but which part of it was used is unknown.
Owner : Private
Publicly accessible : Yes
How accessed for survey : Interior of the public house is open during their normal opening hours
Tourism Potential : Perhaps from a mention in a trail leaflet and as a place where visitors can pause to refresh themselves
Condition : unknown
Date of visit : 16/01/06

Gravesend MB Council, 09/01/40, Minutes of Gravesend Council's Emergency Committee, 09/01/1940 (Bibliographic reference). SKE13746.

Gravesend MB Council, 09/01/40, Minutes of Gravesend Council's Emergency Committee, 09/01/1940 (Bibliographic reference). Ske13746.

Smith, V.T.C., 23/09/06, Old Prince of Orange Second World War air raid wardens post, Windmill Street, Gravesend (Photograph). SKE13781.

Smith, V.T.C., 23/09/06, Old Prince of Orange Second World War air raid wardens post, Windmill Street, Gravesend (Photograph). Ske13781.