The story of ammunition workers who toiled in a subterranean
maze of north west Kent tunnels during the First World War will be told, thanks
to a grant of £9,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Chislehurst Caves, a 22 mile long series of tunnels carved
beneath the chalk downs were pressed into service to store ammunition from
Woolwich Arsenal during the 1914-18 war. A new bus route transported workers to
the site and a narrow gauge railway was laid to access the deepest part of the
caves. The men themselves were exposed to many hazards, apart from the danger
of explosions they suffered burns and jaundice caused by the chemicals in the
munitions
Although the caves have been open to the public for many
years the main emphasis is on the use of the caves during the Second World War
as a mass air raid shelter. Using the HLF grant volunteers from the Chislehurst
Society will research the First World War history gaining access to files held
at the National Archives. They will use their discoveries to create a
documentary, some of which will be filmed in First World War sections of the
caves that are currently not on the existing visitor itinerary.
Special sections of these unseen tunnels will also highlight
a unique series of carvings that munition workers made in the soft chalk to
honour the memory of nurse Edith Cavell, who was captured and shot by the
Germans in 1915.
Local schools and heritage groups have already expressed
interest in learning more about this period in the history of the caves and the
project will include a series of special subterranean events including talks
and guided tours.
The Chislehurst Society’s Heritage Rep. Joanna Friel said:
"Many local residents know of the Caves but have not visited for many
years. We are honoured to be able to showcase the role of Chislehurst Caves as
part of our commemoration of the First World War and look forward to a
fascinating documentary.”
Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said:
“This project will raise awareness of the role played by the Caves during the
First World War and give people a rare opportunity to view the artistic
achievements of the workers who toiled underground.”
Bob Neill, MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, said: “Projects
like this play an important role in our collective memory of the past, and I
feel it is incredibly fitting that these local feats of human courage and
endeavour be recognised in such a way in this centenary year. It is fantastic
that the documentary will open up new areas to those that are currently on
display, and I very much look forward to seeing the final results soon.”
Using money raised through the National Lottery, HLF aims
to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK
and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic
places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, HLF invests
in every part of our diverse heritage. It has supported over 36,000 projects
with more than £6bn across the UK. HLF has already supported £52m of First
World War related projects from across the United Kingdom and will continue to
support as many applications as it can afford that want to commemorate the
centenary.
www.hlf.org.uk.
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