In mid September 1940 Orchard House, on the east side of Wincheap Street (formerly No. 173, since demolished and/or renumbered) became available for a civil-defence ambulance depot, along with a convenient garage, a little to the south on the other side of the street (this was 79 Wincheap Street but has since been renumbered). This was Canterbury’s second Second World War ambulance depot (the first being on Stour Street. The cellar was strengthened to provide a refuge room for staff and the depot was occupied in early December. In mid November 1940 materials were provided for a more convenient lean-to garage at Orchard House itself. The house, and depot, was demolished by enemy action at the end of October 1942.
Owner : Unknown
Publicly accessible : Unknown
How accessed for survey :
Tourism Potential :
Condition : Destroyed
Date of visit :
(1)

In 2012 an evaluation and a subsequent excavation were carried out by Canterbury Archaeological Trust. Part of the air raid shelter at the site was found during the work. No finds relating to the structure were recovered. The date of the bombing was given as 1st June 1942, the station having relocated a few days earlier. (2)

<1> Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee, 01/01/39, Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee Minute Books 1 to 6 (Unpublished document). Ske14765.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2012, Archaeological evaluation and excavation at 45-57 Wincheap, Canterbury, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE18151.