NHER 38334 (Monument record) - World War Two miltary defences and structures

June 2003. Norfolk NMP.
A group of World War Two military defences constructed around cliff edge and a post medieval lime kiln site (NHER 6422), are visible on RAF aerial photographs from 1941 (S1) and 1946 (S2). Several structures apparent appear to relate to the old limekiln, which have then been incorporated into the World War Two activity on the site.

A circular structure is located at TG 18089 43170, measuring 5m in ditch, this appears to have a rectangular slot in the roof. It is possible that this feature is a gun emplacement or perhaps even a pillbox. To the immediate east of this is an extremely wide crenellated trench, running from TG 18092 43171 to TG 18105 43178. It is 2-2.5m wide, 23m long, and has a bank of up-cast running along either side. Another circular structure is visible at TG 18088 43162, although this appears to be embanked rather than stonework, measuring 4-4.5m across. This also has a rectangular slot in the centre. It seems likely that this is also a gun emplacement.

Towards the coast a steep ditch or gully appears to have been cut from the cliff edge at TG 18001 43236 which continues to a narrow point at TG 18061 43172. This gully is 5.5m wide at the coast. A possible structure was mapped along the cliff edge adjacent to this ditch to the east, which in fact appears to curve around the location of this structure, from TG 18018 43223 to TG 18014 43234. The structures cannot be seen clearly, although its position would suggest that it is a military position such as a pillbox. It is possible that this feature is originally pre war and may relate to the limekiln site, later being incorporated into the World War Two defences. The whole of this section of the coast is lined by stretches of barbed wire in 1941 (S1). Sections of this are still in place on the 1946 aerial photographs (S2), although some changes have taken place. 1946 have filled in the ditch leading from the cliff and the line cut off with an additional stretch of barbed wire.

Another possible cliff line structure was mapped at TG 17973 43239, measuring 5m by 3m. It is possible that part of the structure has already fallen down the cliff as it is directly on the receding line. To the immediate east of this structure is a sunken, oblong area at TG 17980 4329, measuring 6.5m by 5.5. Again this is partially lost to the sea. Neither of these features appears to have been constructed by 1941. To the south a variety of earthworks were mapped. These all appear to have been constructed in-between 1941-6. These include a gun emplacement at TG 18004 43124, formed by an oblong bank, 6.5m by 5.5m, with an entrance to the north west. Twelve small weapons pits and slit trenches surround this feature.

Also on the 1946 aerial photographs a parched or compacted linear feature, up to 145m long, is visible leading towards this area of military earthworks and the cliff. This appears to be a road or trackway, flanked either side by a slight ditch. This feature is not visible on the 1941 aerial photographs of the site, so it is possible that this parchmark has been caused by recent military use. Although the ‘road’ does not come from any modern access points and therefore it may well be a much older feature, possible medieval to post-medieval in date.
S. Massey (NMP) 27 November 2003.