NHER 38612 (Monument record) - Possible World War Two pillbox and earthwork pit

April 2004, Norfolk NMP
A possible World War Two pillbox and earthwork pit, possibly also military in origin, are visible on aerial photographs within woodland to the immediate north of North Norfolk Railway line at Dead Man’s Hill plantation, Upper Sheringham. (S1-2). The site is centred on TG 1301 4312, this point is in-between the two features. It is possible that these features were related to the defence of the railway line and coastal approach. This structure is situated to the south of an area of coastal defences at Weybourne (NHER 38577 to 38579 and 32505) and all the defences in this area are associated with Weybourne Camp to the west (NHER 11335).
The pillbox identification is not definite, as it was only clearly visible on one set of aerial photographs (S2). The structure is possibly present in 1946 although it is not particularly clear, so it is possible that it was camouflaged at this time. It is located at TG 1302 4310 and appears to be roughly hexagonal and 4.5m across. The location next to the railway line seems plausible and it would be situated to the west of two other pillboxes cut into the railway bridge (NHER 18110). However it is also possible that this structure relates to the railway line itself rather than the defence of it.
The pit is located at TG 1299 4315 and measures 9m by 6.5m. The tree cover is too dense to see whether the pit is present in the 1940s, although it is possible that it relates to military activity within the woods during the war. The other nearby plantations had defences, structures and weapons pits within them (NHER 38263), so it is a possibility.
S. Massey (NMP) 27 April 2004