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This
Building is one of five built on the site during 1939/40 by the Ministry
of Supply for use in the Second World War. Known Technically as "Romney"
huts, after the Kentish firm that developed them, these building are
a larger version of the First World War Nissen hut. Large numbers
were erected at a variety of locations, but very few now survive.
The contents of the buildings were kept a closely guarded secret, but food supplies were certainly maintained there, and possibly also ammunition. |
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| The buildings were also used to assemble the components for P.L.U.T.O. (pipeline under the ocean)- a pipeline to supply fuel across the English Channel following the Normandy invasion to liberate France. The components were brought in by rail using a siding, which ran alongside where the carriage shed now stands. | ||
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In
recent years, the buildings have been reclad and are maintained for
agricultural, storage and craft usage. The framework is original,
but the distinctive roof ventilators have gone.
The Colonel Stephens Museum took residence in Unit 1A on the north side of Tenterden Town station in July 1995.The building has been altered by contractors but the exhibition has been put together by a team of volunteers. A new mezzanine floor (pictured during constuction by John Liddell) was added in November, 1995 and now serves as the Archive. Four of its support posts forms the corners of the Colonel Stephens Office. |
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