AN INTACT World War 2 air raid shelter has been unearthed in Greenwich in London and it had a small lead toy solider inside.
The discovery was made during a community archaeological dig in front of the Queen’s House in Greenwich Park as experts hope to uncover three shelters thought to have played a life saving role during the war.
Experts already knew there were three air raid shelters somewhere in the park, capable of holding around 500 people, because aerial photography had made their location obvious.
However, it has long been believed that the shelters were demolished after the war and the marks on aerial photos were just showing where the trench foundations once were.
It is now thought that the shelters were buried instead of taken down.
Archaeologist Graham Keevil led a team of 26 volunteers during a week-long dig that aimed to find out more about the structures.
The team found the concrete walls, posts and ceiling beams of the main shelter in an almost pristine condition.
The only thing missing was the roof, which was probably removed so that the shelter could be filled in when it was no longer needed.
Graham Keevill, Greenwich Park’s archaeologist, said: “The dedication and determination of our great team of local volunteers was brilliant, and all credit to them for learning the skills needed to be an archaeologist so quickly.
“Best of all, they had the amazing experience of finding the main air-raid shelter. It was incredible to see how well-preserved everything was – and to be the first people to see inside it for 70 years!
“The discovery is extremely important, not only locally but also nationally, as so many relics of the war have been lost since 1945.
“It has been exciting and a privilege for us all to reveal the shelter.
“But everyone’s favourite find was made almost at the end of our last day: a lead toy soldier, probably from the Second World War, was found in the air-raid shelter. We can’t help but wonder who lost it.”
Lot of other treasures were also found during the dig including prehistoric flint tools, pieces of Roman pottery and a large amount of medieval pottery.
The dig was conducted as part of The Royal Park’s bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the “Greenwich Park Revealed” multi-million pound proposal.
One of the project’s aims is to uncover the hidden history of the park.
