URBEX ~ Exploring an Abandoned ATOMIC Weapons Research site at Orford Ness, Suffolk

General books on the area - tinyurl.com/Or...
Atomic Weapons Research Establishment survey report - amzn.to/2Yyk1zU
Most Secret: The hidden History of Orford Ness - amzn.to/2K38SDe
Other Urbex books: amzn.to/3bdckFD
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Video attributes
Image by Hohum - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikime...
Image by Harumphy at the English language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikime...
Maps by Google - Data map © 2019 Google
Thanks to DJF for intro footage.

[@mikefearon3577]

I find it hilarious that buildings engineered to withstand huge explosions are now 'protected' buildings.

[@colinstewart1432]

Yeah, as you can see, they're really being looked after 🤣

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

I think it's different nowadays. It's probably quite boring.

[@StrawPerson-xq9ko]

They will not let anyone near the pagodas which is frustrating. I think they have realised its what most people go over for. Took them enough time.

[@marcelvdberg]

I really enjpy these video's! Very interesting and very well commented. Thanks very much for sharing. And a lovely ending :-)

[@favesongslist]

Very interesting, TY for posting. Shame on the MOD they do not maintain clean up these historical artefacts and make a museum in honour of the people that worked there and the amazing history.

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

We don't fund the MOD to clean up old sites they have used or worry about artefacts. They exist to defend us. However since this was filmed the National Trust has cleaned it up and now control access. Personally I think it should have been left alone since it was more authentic back then. Now it's too sanitised and lost some of it's mystery. They are also obsessed with weeds and anything else living in the area.

[@adudescorner3267]

That is very cool!

[@martes9128]

Plutonium rod 2×2?

[@davidgraemesmith1980]

Love the ending 😊

[@krissmgvlogs]

Very few videos on this. Why is it not a tourist attraction or a place to visit for schools. An interesting part of British history!

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

It is. You can book a visit through the Natural Trust. I assume however that because the boat they use is small and they seem concerned about disturbing the wild life they don't want to promote it too much. If it became well known it would be hard to keep away youngsters on motor bikes riding up from Aldeburgh or arriving in speedboats for beach parties.

[@somayabenabdellahbelhaj2371]

God video

[@Straight_Outta_Hopton]

Your 'shell mold' is a liner from a shaped charge.

[@swanseamale47]

I would be interested to see the radiation levels there. I remember a story from the area decades ago that a giger counter set off the alarm when near by. Thinking it was faluty they got a new one... that gave an alarm in the same area.

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

The research done here was nothing to do with the nuclear aspect. If it was the buildings would be completely different. I am sure multiple people like members of CND for example have been and tested it in the hope of exposing something. Just like they do around nuclear power stations.

[@hanktheblesseddeejay]

You’re more likely to meet an isotope further up the coast at Sizewell! 😂

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

Very true. We used to swim in the sea there and if the currents were right you got some nice warm water from the outlet.

[@annoyingbstard9407]

The first structures are designed so that in the event of an explosion the pillars would be blown out and the roof would drop to seal off the building. A bit overkill if, as the MOD claimed, no radioactive materials were at the site.

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

No it's not. Powerful explosives were being experimented with. Obviously there were no radioactive materials on site. Why on earth would there be? You don't need them to test the bomb's ability to withstand vibration etc. If it was being used, there would be many other buildings for whatever tests and work was being done with it.

[@annoyingbstard9407]

@@TonyFisherPuzzles I’m sure you know best.

[@jonsid6628]

The pagodas were used for testing (mainly shock/vibration resistance)of the cores and triggers of our nuclear weapons. Although there was minimal risk of an explosion the idea was any radioactive debris would be contained within the structure after the roof dropped. It was unlikely to be successful but fortunately they were never put to the test. I worked at a company that manufactured some of the metals used in the triggers and shielding and remember seeing many photographs taken of the weapons within the buildings and being transported to the site. Nb. It's pretty standard, even these days to deny atomic weapon testing on every testing site!

[@Mahalo_83]

Common misconception about the pillars

[@jippalippa]

If it was in that derelict state in the early 90s, I assume it had been abadoned since at least the early 70s

[@MarlboroughBlenheim1]

Late 80s

[@whteoutxd]

Damn I thought it was Area 51...

[@StrawPerson-xq9ko]

Was over there yesterday. At last it has dawned on them that most people go over for the military stuff rather than the wildlife. But the fact they let the buildings "return to nature" is a cop out and not really acceptable. They are finally to bring out a "walk through" interactive film made by drones and a robot dog next year (2024). Its frustrating that since the demolition of the light house beach walk area is not permitted anymore. Plus you are not allowed past building one to see the pagodas. Its almost as if they activily discourage you from doing so when you get there but use them to promote the place so you book a ticket. I was asked if i fancied being a volunteer warden. I might say yes next year just so i can get a better look around then quit. I will film it if i do and put it on here.

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

I much prefer these places when they are just abandoned like it was on my visit. As kids we used to get into Landguard Fort at Felixstowe and it was pretty much the same. I know they require looking after for future generations but I have very little interest in walking around set routes and viewing renovated / repaired / sanitised / made safe buildings.

[@AlfredSpeedcuber]

Make a nuclear 2x2

[@Mahalo_83]

You didn’t see the centrifuge room

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

Pretty sure I did but just didn't film it. I didn't put much thought into what I shot, I was just messing around with my first ever camcorder and didn't realise the significance of the place.

[@jow2059]

[redacted]

[@Jitendra021984]

You shouldn't have gone there because there still might be some nuclear radiation present and that can harm you.

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

In the video I told you that the tests never involved any nuclear material.

[@chrisives5306]

By “snuck in” you mean you paid the National Trust ferry fee and walked in like everyone else?

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

No. Back then it was closed to the public. My brother drove his 4x4 as close as we could get from Aldeburgh and then we walked the rest of the way. There was a ranger that patrolled the area but he was on the other side by the river so we could stay out of sight. Since I showed you discarded munitions it was surely obvious that this was no official visit? And do you seriously think National Trust loons would allow people to casually wander around in those buildings? BTW The National Trust took over in 1993 and I think my video was shot a little earlier.

[@StrawPerson-xq9ko]

Uninformed comment, maybe think first or look a dick 😂😂😂. Clearly this is old footage. Plus you cannot get past building one if you are not sneaking on.

[@najb01]

This is an irresponsible video and SHOULD be removed

[@colinstewart1432]

Based on what exactly?

[@shaneminogue982]

I went there in the early 80s. It was closed off with fences and littered with unexploded ordinance. We did get into trouble.