Feral Cock28th August 1998

Warning! This building is National Trust Classified and should not be explored or vandalised!

This place was discovered by comparing older editions of maps with new ones. It is classified by the National Trust. Previously there was a sign saying you could enter at own risk but now entry is strongly discourages.

Feral Cock was a great discovery. Emor and I drove out there one week end on the hope that what I had spotted in the map would pan out as a worthy find. It certainly panned out all right. Slipping under the fence was an adventure in itself. We earned a few scars doing that. From the road the only thing visible of Feral Cock is the big bluestone wall around it.

From the hill above Feral Cock it is possible to follow a track or walk along the side fence to the entrance. There are two buildings outside of the main complex, a simple shed and a loading bay which looks out over what had once been a canal leading into the River. In this building there is a small miniature railway which leads into the main complex. You can't help get the feeling that this place looks a lot like a prison.

There is a small gate in the main door of the complex which is unlocked. From here you will get a look at the first of the two small railway tunnels that lead into the main bunkers. Feral Cock has a good number of buildings, but disappoingly they are all almost empty. The small miniature railway liven the place up, adding interest. One of the two big bluestone bunkers contains a couple of small rail carriages used for transporting explosives.

Around the sides of the two main bunkers, on the other side of the ramparts, are several more buildings. Unfortunately these buildings are also empty.

The buildings are now guarded by guard dogs and security cameras. Rumor is that it will be converted into a prison.