Papers relating to St Paul's Watch

SPCAA/SPW

1915-1945

The papers of the St Paul's Watch contain records relating to the work and management of the Watch, which was first formed in 1915. The majority of the records in this collection were created during the Second World War by Surveyor to the Fabric Walter Godfrey Allen, as part of his role as Commander of the Watch. They include: files of instructions and procedures, lectures, drills and test papers, intelligence and alerts, information on enemy weaponry, extracts from articles, press cuttings and a service paper for thanksgiving and commemoration of the St Paul's Watch. The papers are accompanied by a number of copies of plans of the Cathedral that were originally made in 1916 and subsequently re-used in the Second World War, to aid the members of the Watch in their navigation of the building. This collection also includes a large series of records created by Richard Wakelin, Deputy Commander of the Watch, as part of his role in deputising for Allen.

3 sub-series

In original ownership

Second World War, enemy action, fire prevention, St Paul's in wartime

Open