Benwell, Pendower Elementary School, air raid shelters

HER Number:
7678

District:
Newcastle

Site Name:
Benwell, Pendower Elementary School, air raid shelters

Place:
Benwell

Map Sheet:
NZ26SW

Class:
Defence

Site Type: Broad:
Civil Defence Site

Site Type: Specific:
Air Raid Shelter

General Period:
Modern

Specific Period:
C20

Form of Evidence:
Documentary Evidence

Description:
The schools acted as ARP premises. There was a first aid post at the central school, and a dam provided an emergency water supply. The former open air school was used as an emergency rest and feeding centre, able to provide breakfast and tea and hot mid-day meals. It is therefore little surprise that the schools were equipped with air raid shelters. A plan of April 1940, deposited with the Northumberland Record Office by Mauchlen and Weightman of Saville Row, Newcastle, shows sixteen proposed shelters, of two types, each could accommodate 45 children. A similar plan shows eight proposed shelters at Heaton School, which could accommodate 60 children.

Easting:
2111

Northing:
6456

Grid Reference:
NZ21116456

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
NRO 4720/B/256, "Pendower Elementary and Central Schools, Newcastle. Proposed Air Raid Shelter Accomodation for 720 Children", plan by Mauclen and Weightman of 12 Saville Row, Northumberland Record Office; Http://www.bpears.org.uk/NE-Diary/Bck/Bseq_03.html