Atomic Weapons Research Establishment. Orford ... - English Heritage

Introduction
The Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Orford Ness, Suffolk, was operational
between 1956 and 1972. Its primary task was environmental testing to simulate the
conditions that nuclear weapons and their components might experience during trials
and in service use. Here science and high politics merged, with investigations that
were crucial to the credibility of the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent forces, the
cornerstone of Cold War defence policy. Prior to the 20 th century Orford Ness was a
rarely visited place; the main economic activity was animal grazing on reclaimed marsh
land. During the First World War, 1914-1918, the Royal Flying Corps established a flying
field on the marshes and its associated buildings were arranged in along a single road,
which became known as ‘The Street’. This station was principally used for experimental
work into aerial machine guns, bombs, navigation, and photography, a role that continued
into the inter-war period. In 1935, a small experimental radar team arrived and
conducted experiments that were critical in proving the value of this technology.
The survey was undertaken as part of a national project ‘Cold War, People and Place’,
which was designed to produce four exemplary surveys of Cold War era research and
development establishments. The investigation has also contributed to another national
project ‘England’s atomic age’, which aims to document some of England’s key nuclear
installations. The survey of Orford Ness was principally concerned with understanding
the post-war use of the spit by the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE).
This is set against the background of contemporary weapons programmes. To this end
a full topographic survey was carried out of the AWRE structures on Orford Beach,
and an earlier plan of The Street was digitised, geo-referenced and appended to the
present survey. Other peripheral details were derived from Ordnance Survey mapping.
Descriptive record sheets were also produced for all the significant AWRE buildings and
features on Orford Beach, and selected buildings on The Street. Ground photography
was also undertaken.
In addition to its historical interest Orford Ness is a rare and fragile natural environment
that is extremely for important bird, plant and insect life. In recognition of this
significance, and that of large areas of the adjacent coast, it is protected under a suite of
environment designations as an Environmental Sensitive Area, Site of Special Scientific
Interest, Special Protection Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Ramsar
(www.magic.gov.uk).
Orford Ness is owned by the National Trust and during the summer months a
regular boat service takes visitors to the spit. Most of the AWRE area may be seen
from surfaced tracks, although parts of the former range are closed to assist nature
conservation or due to health and safety concerns.
Note
Within the report the buildings are referenced by their latest known numerical
designation. Where the earlier number is known this will also be given, for example,
© ENGLISH HERITAGE
10 - 2009