Historian Mike Clubb and his sons discovered a network of tunnels near Bridgend in the early 1980s while blackberry picking. At the time, the tunnels were open, and the family ventured into one until darkness obscured their path. The eerie quiet, punctuated only by dripping water, sparked Clubb's curiosity.
Research and Discovery
Intrigued by markings on the tunnel exteriors, identified as "8x1, 8x2 and 8x3," Clubb returned with a torch. He described the interior as a "labyrinth," with an initial section resembling a tube station platform from which smaller tunnels branched off at right angles. This discovery prompted Clubb to dedicate the next 27 years to researching the site, culminating in the 2007 publication of his book, "The Welsh Arsenal."
According to Clubb, the seven "8X" tunnels were constructed to store high explosives and cordite. The system was designed so that materials could be transported to a factory via a single truck pulled by a diesel train when needed.
The UK's plans for surviving a nuclear strike during the height of the Cold War included such hidden facilities. The tunnels, now overgrown and partially concealed by vegetation, represent a tangible link to the era's heightened tensions and preparedness measures.
While the original purpose was the storage of explosives, the existence of such extensive underground infrastructure highlights the comprehensive nature of defense planning during the Cold War period.