The existing City Fire Station, at the outbreak of Second World War, was at or adjoining No. 16 on the south-east side of Best Lane. On the eve of the Second World War one of three Auxiliary Fire Service Stations was established in the very near vicinity – described as ‘adjoining the Slater Lecture Hall’ (was this part of the Beaney Institute?). By 6 September, 10 Best Lane, on the other side of the road was being used by the Air-Raid Precautions as a store, and from early on this was clearly part of the Auxiliary Fire Service accommodation (at least until early 1940). The premises were adapted, during the final months of 1939 by the insertion of partitions, fitted with second-hand windows; the provision of a dug-out with its own telephone extension; and some form of ‘brickwork protection.’ In January 1942 the Auxiliary Fire Service expanded into 11 and 16 Best Lane.
Owner : Private
Publicly accessible : Unknown
How accessed for survey :
Tourism Potential :
Condition : unknown
Date of visit :

Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee, 01/01/39, Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee Minute Books 1 to 6 (Unpublished document). SKE14735.

Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee, 01/01/39, Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee Minute Books 1 to 6 (Unpublished document). Ske14735.