NHER 45223 (Monument record) - Site of post medieval structure, possibly a powder store

October 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The site of a post medieval structure, possibly a powder store, is visible on aerial photographs on the western side of the South Denes (S1). The site is centred on TG 5304 0443 and consists of a central structure surrounded by blast walls. This appears to have been constructed between and 1879-1907 and may have been used for storing explosives for the South Battery, although this is not certain. The site has now been redeveloped and built upon.

The site consists of a central rectangular structure with a curved profile roof, 6.5m by 3m, which site within a broad earthen mound, 9m wide. Sitting on top of this broader earthen platform is a three-sided embankment, which immediately surrounds the central structure. A reasonably high fence also runs along the top of the inner embankment. An additional oblong mound is also located at the front of the structure, with gaps to either side allowing access to the main structure. This mound has a similar shape and profile to the central curved profile structure and may represent an earthen covered example. It is likely that the central structure provides access to a subterranean building, possibly with similar dimensions to the outer and lower earthen platform, approximately 30m by 20m. These earthen mounds and banks surrounding the structure are likely to be blast walls, providing a clue to the probable military function of the structure.

The structure is located adjacent to the World War One Aeroplane and Seaplane Station on the South Denes (NHER 13631). However the building is marked on the 1902-7 Ordnance Survey second edition map and therefore pre-dates the World War One site. The structure is not marked on the 1879-1886 Ordnance Survey first edition map and was therefore probably built between 1879-1907. It is possible that this building is a powder/explosives store associated with one of the Great Yarmouth batteries. According to Peter Kent (S3:p216), the South battery was re-equipped in 1902, and the War Office proposed installing bigger guns in 1905, but didn't due to the expense. The South Battery was still there at the start of the First World War, so it is possible that it could be connected with that, or the artillery barracks, between Battery Rd and Barrack Rd. However the possible store is quite far from either of these sites. When the North Battery was decommissioned in the late 1890s it was proposed that it be used as an explosives store for the South Battery. The North battery was demolished instead, so it is a possibility that the store on the Denes was built as an alternative.
S. Massey (NMP), 25 October 2006.