Air Raid Precaution Centre
AIR RAID PRECAUTION CENTRE
And Civil Defence Centre
For North Hackney
Built 1938.
(24 Rossendale Street)
The bunker was built to co-ordinate north Hackney’s World War Two anti-air raid offensive and has been awarded grade II listed building status.
This centre on Rossendale Street was well protected by concrete walls 2 metres thick and steel doors. Shrapnel damage on one of the outside walls is testament to the attack that Hackney sustained during the Blitz.
The centre played a pivotal role in protecting the people of Hackney and was linked to a main centre located underneath Hackney Town Hall. It was used to co-ordinate information on bombing raids, the deployment of emergency rescue teams and the organisation of repair work. The fascination of the bunker grows as much of the original furniture and equipment remains, such as the original plant for air supply and purification and a electric generator pedal driven by a twin bicycle frame.
The plaque was unveiled on 25th April 1994, coinciding with VE Day and D-Day commemorations.
Page updated: 28 Feb 2007