114-116 Oxford Road Air Raid Shelter, Reading

 Air Raid Shelter underneath a shop in Reading now demolished with no trace.

Two levels below the building remained a series of arches and vaulted ceilings, the space was originally part of Crypt which connected into the neighbouring building which is Holy Trinity Church by a single way tunnel.

The tunnel went off in two directions one directly into the churches Crypt situated in the basement and the other i have no idea as by the time i got down there it was bricked up and ready for demolition.

Later on during World War Two the Crypt under the shop and Church was converted into a Public Air Raid Shelter. 

One of my greatest finds in Reading so far back in 2017 i managed to find a way into the old Richer Sounds Building 114-116 Oxford Road, i went down two basements before reaching a hatch with a ladder i thought 'WOW what have i just found' in no time i was down that ladder and realised i just found a hidden gem under Reading.



Escape Ladder incase the church was bombed. 

Old company sign from Walpumur Quality Paints which used the shop space above.

The Crypt/Air Raid Shelter Space now sadly gone...
The escape ladder

Old letter from its Funeral Director days.
2017 demolition began on the Crypt/Air Raid Shelter
Sad times....
After the demolition...you wouldnt of even known it was down there, History sadly destroyed for housing...im glad i got down there in time to document it.






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