Mark Wallace @wallaceme · Mar 27

Geeky thread warning. Or, if you’re like me, a cool bit of 20th Century urban archaeology. Check out this shop in Kingston. What’s unusual about it (aside from its no-doubt-excellent nails service)? https://t.co/MT3G9Yii9Z

Mark Wallace @wallaceme · Mar 27

On its gable-end, the wall is double-thickness up to about 6 feet. Why? https://t.co/w2Wg5p05rP

Mark Wallace @wallaceme · Mar 27

On closer inspection, it’s a thick layer of concrete, either up against or cutting through the wall of the presumably brick building. This shop has been armoured... https://t.co/QzfuN5glfv

Mark Wallace @wallaceme · Mar 27

Even better, this concrete has two wide-angled loopholes in it. The right hand one has been completely filled in, the other left partially open for a handy security box cubby-hole. Armoured and loopholed - this is a fortified shop. A shop with a bunker built-in! https://t.co/bsJB7w0sgc

Mark Wallace @wallaceme · Mar 27

A south-facing, concrete fortification, near a major Thames crossing... This fortified shop is part of London’s WW2 invasion defence network, specifically part of London Stop Line Central (Line B). It was built in 1940 or 1941 to slow German tanks should the worst happen. https://t.co/KNWrMAtI8Z

Mark Wallace @wallaceme · Mar 27

It played its small part in history (and thank goodness it was never needed) but I love that it still survives, an otherwise unnoticed chunk of concrete lining an alleyway by a nail bar. You never know what’s around you until you look! https://t.co/pbgqgElSp3