In 2010 during groundworks, two tunnels were broken open on the former school site. These led into a tunnel system dug into the chalk bedrock. This probably dates from the late First World War (1917-8) period when Ramsgate was coming under attack and public shelters began to be provided. The system was seemingly dug from two vertical shafts with three entrances with access provided by staircases in each. These entrances were for the Boys, Girls and Infants at the school. During the Second World War, the school above was closed for education purposes and was used as a British Restaurant. The school likely re-opened in late 1943 (on the basis of graffiti in the tunnels).

A large collection of graffiti was carved, scratched or drawn with pencil on the tunnel faces. Some examples were found where candle-soot had been used. This graffiti mostly dates to the period between late 1943 and late 1946, though six individuals had added new examples following the rediscovery of the tunnels in 2010. No graffiti could be confidently dated to the First World War period. Much of the graffiti consists of initials, names and sometimes ages, school form and dates. 1944 was the best represented year. A number of interesting insults and comments were also present, including an instance of the c-word. Insight into a potential locally rivalry is provided by references to pupils of St. George's School, namely that "St Georges are stacked painted chads" and "St Georges chads" with a third labelled drawing. Chad could be related to the common wartime figure but stacked and painted are more complex. It is likely that they represent playground slang, are derogatory and may indicate that pupils of St. George's School were thought to be a bit slutty. Other pictorial elements from the tunnels included various simplified faces and stick figures. Most notable were two depictions of Popeye. Swastikas are common. Other elements recorded include sums and possibly shorthand, along with numerous games of noughts-and-crosses. (1)

In 2010 Canterbury Archaeological Trust carried out a watching brief, recording further details of the shelters. (2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2010, Site of the former Ellington Girls' School, Ellington Place, Ramsgate, Kent: Air raid shelter survey, documentary study and graffiti survey report (Unpublished document). SKE18242.

<2> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 2011, An archaeological watching brief at Former Ellington Girls School, Ellington Place, St Lawrence, Ramsgate (Unpublished document). SKE25956.