There was a concrete-trench air-raid shelter at the Roman Catholic School on Ruttington Lane, from early in the Second World War. This was intended to accommodate 190 scholars and staff. At some point, probably in 1940, the shelter was made available for public use outside school hours. Oddly, at this time, it was referred to as the ‘Burgate Street’ Roman Catholic School - perhaps because it was attached to the Roman Catholic church (St Thomas’) on Burgate. Access to the shelter was via an entrance passage from Military Road, or by the main entrance on Ruttington Lane. In mid November 1944, decay was noted in some of the timbering in the shelter.
Owner : Private
Publicly accessible : No
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Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee, 01/01/39, Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee Minute Books 1 to 6 (Unpublished document). SKE14947.

Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee, 01/01/39, Canterbury City Council Emergency Committee Minute Books 1 to 6 (Unpublished document). Ske14947.

Simon Williamson, 01/01/39, Chief Air-Raid Warden’s notebook (Unpublished document). SKE14946.

Simon Williamson, 01/01/39, Chief Air-Raid Warden’s notebook (Unpublished document). Ske14946.