About the Bunker
Aircraft manufacturing came to Hatfield in 1930 when the de Havilland Aircraft Company relocated from Edgware in north-west London. It remained for over 60 years until 1992, but after the closure of the factory by British Aerospace (BAe), much of the Hatfield site was redeveloped and only four buildings from the original factory now remain.
The Administration building and the Senior Staff Canteen were redeveloped as the new premises of Hatfield Police Station.
The origins of the building were well known and a small exhibition of the de Havilland Aircraft Company’s history was placed in the original Foyer.
Beneath the Administration building was a small complex of four rooms, used as an Air Raid shelter for senior managers in the War. When the police took over the building these rooms were only used for storage, and it was not until 2019 that the idea of converting them to a small museum took shape. These four rooms now tell two different stories: the story of aircraft manufacture at Hatfield and the people who worked there. It also tells the story of the people who work in the building today.
The link between the two is the building itself – an iconic example of 1930s Art Deco architecture with Listed Building status.
In keeping with Hertfordshire Constabulary’s policy of community engagement, The Bunker Museum is designed to appeal to the interests of the whole community and will host special exhibitions from time to time.
The main aim will always be to work with younger school pupils to inspire their interest in local history, science and technology as well as delivering important messages about citizenship and the work of the police.