Underground fortification from the Cold War era up for sale in England

In the picturesque village of Hallen, overlooking farm fields and the mouth of the River Severn, a spartan relic of the Cold War era is set to go under the hammer. The bunker, built by the British government and military as part of civil defence and military command infrastructure, is up for auction later this month.

Originally constructed to survive a nuclear blast, this 11.8 square metre space was one of approximately 1500 shelters built across the UK for the Royal Observer Corps, a civil defence organisation. Its interior is a testament to its utilitarian purpose, with a small desk-like surface, two plastic chairs, a single metal bed frame, a tiny hallway, and a water closet with a crude chemical toilet.

The bunker, described as drab, cramped, and isolated, has been the unique possession of its owner for over two decades. It was last sold in 1995 for 95,000 pounds (NZ$216,966), but this price included the land where the owner lives. This time around, the bunker is being sold separately from the larger property.

The auction for this historical relic is scheduled for September 25, with a starting bid of 20,000 pounds. The writers of the promotional materials have had to put in effort to make the bunker sound appealing, describing it as "ideal for those with a unique taste for historical relics and rare investment opportunities."

Interestingly, the buyers of a similar bunker last year in the Yorkshire Dales National Park turned it into a tourist attraction. As the world continues to grapple with the implications of nuclear threats, these Cold War era bunkers serve as a stark reminder of a bygone era and offer a glimpse into the preparations made during the Cold War.

For those interested in owning a piece of history, this auction presents an opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of the UK's Cold War history firsthand. Sophie Thorne is coordinating the September 25 auction, and potential buyers are encouraged to visit the bunker before the auction to fully appreciate its unique character.