Capel Magazine

Underground Magazine on land between Valiant Sailor Pub and Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne near Folkestone. These magazines were part of the Capel Battery Site of three long range coastal guns. As can be seen from the photo below there were other buildings including barracks, observation posts and also a deep shelter. There is no access to the magazine at this time, due to earth bulldozed over the entrance, although raised mounds can still be seen. These photographs were taken in August 1977 when access was still possible. The Magazine was on two levels, the upper being sunk into the ground with an earth covering. The lower level was reached by a lift? shaft and was well below ground level.

 

Aerial view of Capel Battery supplied by Barry Mansfield.

Circled area is the magazine. Full size image here (329KB).

 

The earth mound is all that can be seen now, there is no access as of April 2001.

 

Entrance was through gap under concrete slab in centre of picture.

 

Close up of entrance.

 

Inside entrance.

 

First room, looking towards entrance.

 

Lift shaft to lower level is by black board. Board was in very good condition and had

places to enter type and quantity of munitions, fuzes, etc.

 

Climbing down bricked up lift shaft.

 

Looking down shaft.

 

Looking back up shaft.

 

On lower level, shaft entrance.

 

Lower level.

 

Lower level.

 

Lower level.

 

Small door giving access to low, narrow tunnels that surround lower

level for drainage and ventilation to keep ammunition dry.

 

Inside drainage and ventilation tunnel. It is just possible to squeeze

along them in a low crouching position.

For more information on the Capel Battery Site see History of Capel-Le-Ferne.