The Hidden Nuclear Reactor Beneath London's Historic Sites
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Chapter 1: A Surprising Discovery
Have you ever visited London? You’re likely aware of iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge. However, you might be surprised to learn about a concealed nuclear reactor that once operated right in the heart of the city.
Here’s the reason why the British government placed a nuclear reactor in central London: the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich stands as a significant tourist attraction. Constructed between 1696 and 1712 initially as a hospital, this site later transformed into the primary training ground for Royal Navy officers.
For many years, the college played a pivotal role in supporting the British Empire’s endeavors. The Royal Navy, known for its global expeditions — often employing dubious tactics — relied heavily on this institution. Only recently, however, has its involvement in Cold War nuclear deterrence come to light.
According to the Old Royal Naval College, “In 1962, a 10-kilowatt Argonaut series nuclear reactor was clandestinely installed by the Ministry of Defence. This reactor was encased in over 300 tons of steel and concrete and was utilized to train future engineering officers for nuclear-powered submarines.”
London's Nuclear Reactor: A Brief History
The reactor, known as JASON, was decommissioned and dismantled in the late 1990s. Due to prolonged exposure, its protective cladding had become irradiated, necessitating careful extraction and disposal.
Once the existence of this reactor became public knowledge, many nations expressed their discontent regarding the UK’s decision to remove it. Notably, the European Commission initiated legal proceedings against the UK for not adhering to safety standards outlined in the 1957 Euratom Treaty, which regulates nuclear reactor usage and management.
Today, no remnants of JASON can be found within the Old Royal Naval College. It's important to note that this was the sole reactor ever installed in a Grade I-listed 17th-century structure. When the college was designated as a listed building in 1973, the reactor was classified as “top secret,” and no official documentation has ever referenced it.
The Old Royal Naval College remains one of the UK's most intriguing locations. If you find yourself in central London, consider taking a trip to Greenwich to uncover the history of a former nuclear reactor.
The first video explores the intriguing story behind the nuclear reactor situated in London, uncovering its secrets and historical significance.
The second video delves into the existence of nuclear bunkers within the London Underground, shedding light on another layer of the city’s hidden history.
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