Monument record MLI43262 - First World War Pillbox, Sea Lane, Saltfleet
Summary
First World War pillbox at Sea Lane, Saltfleet.
Type and Period (2)
- PILLBOX (First World War to 21st Century - 1917 AD to 2050 AD)
- OBSERVATION POST (Second World War to Late 20th Century - 1940 AD to 1970 AD?)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
The remains of a First World War pillbox are located on land off Toby's Hill, to the east of Saltfleet. Photographs of the structure were taken in June 2012, during site visits conducted for the Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey. The structure is orientated along a south-east to north-west axis, with the entrance door located in the middle of the south-western elevation. The structure has just two embrasures, located in the end walls, giving enfilading fields of fire along the beach, but not to the front. The rusticated appearance of the exterior is the result of a sandbag and timber shuttering, used when the concrete was poured into place.
The pillbox was re-used and quite extensively re-modelled during the Second World War, when large concrete piller foundations were added to strengthen the corners of the original structure, and a probable observation post was built upon the roof. This later tower structure was largely demolished by the 1970s, although strip foundations remain extant upon the roof of the original pillbox. {1}{2}{3}{4}
Although the structure's exact date of construction is not known, it is thought likely to date to 1917, after the threat of invasion from German forces grew following the collapse of effective Russian opposition on the Eastern Front. The lack of front facing embrasures and use of sandbag shuttering was an attempt to make the structure shell-proof and able to resist naval bombardment. The pillbox is thought to have been manned by soldiers of the 7th/8th (combined) Battalions, Sherwood Foresters. It was re-occupied during the Second World War, when a probable bombing range quadrant post structure associated with RAF Theddlethorpe was added to the roof. For the full description and the legal address of this listed building please refer to the appropriate List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. {5}
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SLI4545 Unpublished Document: Dr Mike Osborne. 1999. Defence of Britain Gazetteer. p.1.
- <2> SLI14623 Digital Archive: Council for British Archaeology. 2006. Defence of Britain Archive. 5129.
- <3> SLI12104 Photograph: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. 2008. Second World War Coastal Defence Site Photographs. No.14.
- <4> SLI16012 Report: Humber Field Archaeology. 2013. Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire: Phase 3, Field Survey and Historical Assessment. SH8.
- <5> SLI13386 Website: Historic England (formerly English Heritage). 2011->. The National Heritage List for England. http://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/. 1445089.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TF 4564 9434 (22m by 22m) Estimated from sources |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | SKIDBROOKE WITH SALTFLEET HAVEN, EAST LINDSEY, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (3)
- Event - Survey: Site Visit to the First World War Pillbox, Sea Lane, Saltfleet (ELI13038)
- Event - Survey: Site Visit to the Pillbox, Sea Lane, Saltfleet (ELI12019)
- Event - Survey: Site Visits for the Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire: Phase 3, Field Survey and Historical Assessment (ELI13024)
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Jan 19 2022 3:13PM
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