Subterranea Britannica is a UK-based society for all those interested in man-made and man-used underground structures and space. Founded in 1974 by Sylvia Beamon, the society (often known simply as Sub Brit) has grown to over a thousand members. Our interests cover all manner of underground sites, from Neolithic flint mines to nuclear bunkers. Many of these sites are documented on this website. Some can be easily visited, others require more specialist training or equipment; some, sadly, no longer exist.
Sub Brit’s activities include twice-yearly meetings with presentations from speakers and updates from members. Regular visits are held to underground sites both in the UK and overseas and a number of weekend trips are made which give the opportunity to study an area in more depth (pun intended!). A magazine named Subterranea is published three times a year with details of recent research and visits. Sub Brit’s website, publications and many of our activities are accessible to the public in line with our objectives to benefit the public at large. Membership is available to anyone who wishes to support the aims of the society and get more involved. Current members include many who are world experts in their chosen field.
The society is run by an annually elected committee and enjoys good relationships with other UK groups such as the Council for British Archaeology and English Heritage. In addition Sub Brit has strong links with similar organisations elsewhere in Europe. We are privileged to have historian, author and TV broadcaster Dan Cruickshank as our President. All trips and visits made by the society are done with the permission of site or land owners and follow appropriate safety guidelines.
Subterranea Britannica enjoys links with many similar organisations across Europe including:
SUBTERRANEA BRITANNICA, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 6447148 and registered charity number 1141524, registered office address: Heathend Cottage, Windsor Road, ASCOT SL5 7LQ
