An extraordinary piece of local history has been uncovered at a County Durham primary school, during construction of its new nursery building.
While carrying out groundworks, builders revealed a hidden WW2 air raid shelter, preserved beneath the foundations for more than 80 years.
The discovery at St Godric’s Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, offers pupils, staff and the wider community a rare glimpse into the past at the very moment the school is investing in its future. The shelter, believed to have been used by local families and possibly schoolchildren during wartime air raids, has sparked excitement and curiosity across the school in Thornley.
The new nursery, which is now well underway, will provide a safe, inspiring and modern learning environment for the school’s youngest pupils. The unexpected historical find has added a unique dimension to the project, blending heritage with progress in a way few schools experience.
Year 3 pupil Joshua said: “I was shocked because we have been walking over this for years. I think it is really cool.”
Headteacher Julie Hill said: “The timing of this discovery amplified the excitement amongst the children. On the very same day, our pupils had been to the Roman Fort Arbeia [in South Shields] and had been exploring themselves like archaeologists. What a wonderful discovery.”
The new purpose-built nursery is due to open Autumn 2026 and will offer 15- and 30-hour places, initially for children from three years. For more information, visit www.stgodricsthornley.org
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk
Photo caption: Pupils from St Godric’s holding a Sacriston brick found within the foundations.