I recently paid another visit to the former Searchlight Station and the remains of an air raid shelter that was used in World War II. There was a plaque at the entrance. The area is known as Bailey's Tump. The mound was made up from earth excavations for the Derwent Valley aqueduct and became
fortified as an air defence site.
Years ago, the site used to be overgrown, but the landowner leased it to the Council so they could clear it up as it was of historical interest. They did a really good job. I'm glad they managed to preserve it. Source
Stanton air raid shelters were manufactured by the company Stanton Ironworks Co Ltd in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, which has now closed down.
There was obviously the obligatory beer bottle and litter left in the shelter from the local yobos.
The elevated circled mounds would have been shelter for the soldiers and the equipment. There seems to be a difference of opinion if there were ever machine guns here.
Riber Castle sits on the hill in the far distance.
After walking around the site for a short while, I had a little walk in the wood.
There used to be an old victorian tip in the wood. You can still see remnants of pottery on the ground.
I've done a bit of bottle digging in my time, but this area has been dug over many times, so nothing of significance is left.
I carried on for a while, but I soon found myself going downhill. I didn't want to go too far down as I didn't fancy clambering back up!
A few blackberries were still out, but it looks as though someone has picked the best ones.
I really need to get some honeysuckle for my communal garden as it smells so lovely.
I did a little circular walk before I headed back to the car.