The Kingsway tunnels in London, initially created as deep-level shelters during World War II, were significantly expanded during the Cold War. Designed for government use, these tunnels contained offices for the Special Operations Executive, which provided inspiration for fictional elements in the James Bond series. The strategic location near the telecoms switching center allowed for crucial communications, such as encrypted calls during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following the Cold War, the increasing advancement in telecommunications led to the decommissioning of these once-secret facilities, opening them for public access.
The Kingsway tunnels, built during World War II and enlarged during the Cold War, are about to open to the public for the first time.
Originally constructed as deep-level shelters during WWII, the Chancery Lane tunnels housed offices for the Special Operations Executive, influencing the creation of Q-Branch.
During the Cold War, the tunnels were expanded to support primary telecoms services, facilitating crucial communications, including encrypted calls between the USA and Russia.
With advancements in electronics, the tunnels were decommissioned after the Cold War, rendering their massive telecoms infrastructure obsolete.
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