Coleshill in Oxfordshire is a village with a secret underground history. A couple of weeks ago we joined a queue of visitors standing beside a hole in a wall to find out more.
Let’s rewind to World War II. Following the rapid advance of the German army through France, Winston Churchill decided to create a secret army to be the last line of defence in the event of a ground invasion. These Auxiliary Units were trained at Coleshill House and were responsible for carrying out sabotage acts, such as blowing up bridges, if Hitler invaded.
Coleshill bunker
The units of 4-8 men operated out of hidden underground bunkers, most of which were destroyed at the end of the war. There is still an original bunker on the Coleshill estate but it’s in a fragile condition so a replica has been recreated. It’s open to visitors several times per year and we’d come to learn more about a little known aspect of the war.
After a short introduction by the guide our group walked a few paces into the wood to the bunker entrance. This would have been completely hidden during the war but for safety reasons we followed a well trodden path to the entrance. Yet once you step on down the ladder you really are transported back in time.
The bunker is similar to an underground Nissan hut. It consists of a main room which is about 15ft long with bunk beds and a table, a basic toilet, a small food preparation area and an ammunition store. Our group stood in the dimly lit room whilst the guide told us all about the life of the men stationed in the bunker. Operating in complete secrecy the Auxiliers learnt how to set booby traps, use explosives and communicate via dead letter drops.
At the end we crawled out through a tunnel to exit the bunker. Fortunately for us there was a carpet on the floor so we didn’t get muddy; sometimes I’m happy not to go for the full authentic experience!
Coleshill House itself burnt down in the 1950s. The secret existence of the Auxiliary Units only became general public knowledge in the 1990s. In a similar way to the story of the code breaking operations at Bletchley Park I’m sure that one day Hollywood will come knocking. It really is a fascinating story, and we all learnt loads.
Away from the bunker, the estate and part of the village, is managed by the National Trust. You can pick up a leaflet locally which shows the other attractions and details a couple of walks. Our visit coincided with the opening of Coleshill Mill so we headed over once we’d finished at the bunker.
Coleshill Mill
Coleshill Mill is a water powered grain mill. We were mesmerised by the turning water wheel for a while before looking round inside. The mill contains two floors, with volunteers on hand to explain the workings of the different wheels. The kids enjoyed watching the flour pouring into a sack on the ground floor (and onto surrounding cobwebs) but the detailed explanation of the mill operation went a little over our heads.
My daughter was much more interested in milling some grain outside to make flour. This seemed a popular activity with all ages; I had a sneaky go too when all the kids had disappeared!
We finished off with a drink in the community run village shop and cafe. It had been an educational afternoon out for all of us; if you live relatively close by I’d definitely recommend a visit during one of the future bunker open days.
More info:
- The Coleshill water mill and Operational Base have limited opening dates and times, check the National Trust website for details. Admission to the estate and bunker is free. The water mill is free to NT members, non members pay £8.75 for a family ticket.
- Access to the bunker is via a step ladder. The bunker is dark and the guide recounts what life would have been like in some detail (i.e. realities of war) so it could be a little scary for some younger children. I’d personally suggest the bunker is best suited to 5+ years although there were pre-schoolers in our group.
- The mill was open to all ages but with working machinery and deep water you’ll need to keep a close eye on your kids.
- You can read lots more about Coleshill House and the Auxiliary Units on the British Resistance Archive website.
What an exciting place!! I love places like this! Then again I also happen to love history. haha
#PoCoLo
Thank you. It’s good to bring history alive, this was very interesting – the kids were captivated by the story.
Thanks for sharing. Great to learn all about Coleshill and its incredible WW1 history.
It was so interesting, amazing to think this was happening not far from where I live.
WW2 Glad you enjoyed it
This is so interesting and would love to visit too! 🙂 #countrykids.
Thank you. Yes, do if you get the chance.
What a wonderful place to visit, the history you provide here is fascinating and to see it all yourself must be more so. The interactive touches like the flour making really helps hold the interest for the children too. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
Thanks Fiona. I’m glad you enjoyed the history detail, wasn’t sure how much to write about but it was very interesting.
This place sounds utterly fascinating – I am really interested in all things WWII, probably because of my Granddad. I should venture here one day. Thank you for linking to PoCoLo 🙂 x
It was – I love local and relatively recent history, feels much more ‘real’. My grandad used to tell me his war stories too.
This looks brilliant fun, I love things like this. As Victoria said, it reminds me of my late grandad xx
Sounds like your grandad may have had lots of war stories too!
That looks absolutely fascinating-I love places like this.
Thanks Iona, so do I.
what a fab place!
#letkidsbekids
Thanks Sarah.
Looks a very interesting day out. And very educational.
Thanks Celesse, yes we all learnt loads.
Wow what an amazing place to visit! Interesting and I wish we can go here to see this! #LetKidsBeKids
Thanks Merlinda, it was interesting as I knew nothing about this aspect of the war.
Oh, I love history and learning new thing so I would love to visit here #letkidsbekids
Thanks Louisa, sounds perfect for you.
Looks like a very interesting place to visit. I’d like to take my kids there when they are a bit older and can appreciate what they see.
Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
Thanks Karen. Yes definitely one for slightly older children, ours were engrossed by the story.
Wow. I grew up in Oxfordshire and am a regular visitor with family in the area but I’ve never heard of Coleshill! I will have to visit one of these days. #MMWBH
Thanks John. I’ve only just started seeing it promoted too, I think the building of the replica bunker has helped to encourage visitors.
What a fascinating place, I bet it was really interesting to visit
Thanks Alison, it certainly was.
I visited the Mill many years ago, but have never been inside the bunker. I don’t think I could though, as I’d feel claustrophobic.
I’d agree with you; definitely not a place to visit if you’re claustrophobic.
The next open day is on the Sunday 11th September from 2-5.
Thanks Roger!