A MYSTERIOUS York cold war bunker that faced off the end of the world will go on show to a global audience.

Built in 1961, the Holgate structure was designed to protect against a Nuclear fallout, but still stands today as a reminder of the devastation which could have struck at a moment's notice.

Its main role was to look for nuclear detonations in the British Isles, planning to pinpoint exactly where they occurred, what their power was, and what their impact was going to be.

Now it will be opened up to a virtual audience on Google along with a host of historic buildings throughout the country.

A new partnership between English Heritage and Google Arts and Culture has deployed digital technology including Street View and gigapixel cameras to bring 29 historic sites across England to life for an international audience.

For the first time, people will get to see in detail Antonio Zucchi's 18th century ceiling paintings at Kenwood House, London, and the 17th century "Elysium" ceiling at Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire, which have been photographed in ultra-high definition.

They will also be able to view the largely-unseen vast 1820 painting of the Battle of Hastings by Frank Wilkin, which hangs within the private school at Battle Abbey, East Sussex.

And they can get 360 degree views of the elaborately decorated Durbar Room at Osborne on the Isle of Wight and of the terrace of the stately home loved by Queen Victoria, from the comfort of their own homes.

Google's Street View is allowing people to remotely explore the labyrinthine corridors and workshops of the Victorian J W Evans silver factory in Birmingham, normally only open to the public for pre-booked guided tours.

Matt Thompson, head of collections at English Heritage, said: "In our new role as a charity, English Heritage is looking for innovative ways to open our sites to the public and share their fascinating stories with them.

"Now thanks to Google Arts & Culture's technology, we've been able to bring people closer to our historic masterpieces than ever before, open up our storehouses to a global audience, and showcase hitherto unseen artefacts."

Amit Sood, director of Google Arts & Culture, said: "England has such a rich, diverse, and interesting heritage - spanning literally centuries.

"English Heritage has done such an amazing job in preserving iconic art and sites, allowing us a glimpse into what life was like in a different time.

"Google Arts & Culture are proud to partner with English Heritage and use the power of technology to share these wonders and stories with a global audience."