NHER 32698 (Monument record) - World War Two type 22 pillbox

April 1994. Norfolk Defensive Structures Survey. Survey No. Q3-5.
Common 1940 type 22 pillbox with rare flint cladding set low in the corner of a garden covering the junction with Mill Lane.
See (S1-2) for further details.
D. Walker (NLA) August 1996.
Updated H. Hamilton (NLA), 03 July 2008.

This is likely the pillbox located on the site of the Nunsgate estate which is noted in (S3) as having been inhabited by an eccentric in the 1950's.
E. Rose (NAU) 6 January 1997.
(Previously recorded under NHER 5760).

The mapped location of this record has been corrected - previously it was incorrectly mapped as a point at TL 8704 8255.
P. Watkins (HES), 13 November 2018.

April 2024. Building Survey.
Basic survey undertaken by C. Kolonko-Weet and others.
This hexagonal pillbox was an important component of a wider defensive grouping at the southern end of Thetford, focused around the Three Nuns Bridges. It is sited on an elevated position overlooking the road, with its primary arc of fire directed at the bridges themselves. It has embrasures for Light Machine Guns in all faces except that which has the west-facing entrance and a flanking rifle embrasure. It was constructed using an uncommon method of shuttering, with a flint-faced wall bonded with cement forming the external shuttering and brick forming the internal shuttering. Corrugated metal (stamped 'Tractor Brand') had been used as shuttering for the casting of the roof. The exterior of the pillbox clearly acted as a camouflage/concealment scheme, matching local construction techniques and thus helping it blend into its urban environment. A brick-built 'Y'-shaped anti-ricochet wall is present within the pillbox, with the arms of the 'Y' facing the entrance. This wall is heavily damaged (possibly as a result of a deliberate 'field modification' to improve access), revealing the presence of a reinforced concrete core.
Whilst the pillbox appears structurally sound, its overall condition is classified as 'Fair', as although the exterior is generally good overall, there are areas of decay and vegetation damage. This damage is particularly severe in the south corner, where vegetation growth has removed much of the concrete wall, exposing the internal brick shuttering. The interior is though dry and well maintained.
Although previously recorded as being a 'common' Type 22 pillbox, the construction techniques used and elements of its design appear to actually represent a significant departure from the FW3/22 design.
A more details survey of this pillbox is planned.
See report (S4) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 17 July 2024.