Speaking with Shadows

English Heritage SWS

Vigilant State – York Cold War Bunker and the Royal Observer Corps

Josie Long visits York Cold War Bunker, one of over 1,500 bunkers and monitoring posts across the UK that were in operation during the Cold War, and the only example which still exists without alterations today. 
But perhaps the most interesting thing about the bunker are the people who worked there. Here, the Royal Observer Corps (ROC), mainly civilian volunteers, were trained to receive, record, and relay vital information on nuclear fallout in the event of a real nuclear attack on Britain. 
Josie meets English Heritage curator, Kevin Booth to find out more about the bunker’s history and its role during the Cold War.
We hear from Grace Huxford, a senior lecturer in modern history at the University of Bristol, on the history of the Cold War and the social and political context in Britain at the time when the ROC were training in the bunker.
Josie also meets Ann Metcalf, a member of the RO


The English Heritage Podcast

English Heritage

Episode 263 - Saving our Paintings: Jan Wijnants at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

This week, we’re joined by two English Heritage curators of collections, Eleanor Matthews and Louise Cooling, to mark the acquisition of a painting by Dutch artist Jan Wijnants, which has a close link with Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire.

Join us to discover the story of this and some of the other Dutch masterpieces that can be seen at both Brodsworth Hall and Kenwood in London.

To learn more about Brodsworth Hall and Gardens or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/brodsworth-hall.

To learn more about Kenwood or plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood.
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