Summary
A Second World War Type 24 pillbox, similar to site MNA165232 in all respects except its position, sits on top of the pebble ridge which vegetation keeps stable.The sea wall butts onto the building to the west. It has very good views over Porlock Bay and the Bristol Channel.
Identification Images (1)
Monument Types
- PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/24) (Mid 20th C - 1940 AD to 1945 AD)
Description
Second World War pillbox (B1) on Bossington Beach. One of three, this is one is set behind the main shingle ridge on the remains of the old sea wall with entrance facing inland. Its walls are beach boulders with mortar infill somewhat eroded. Larger squared off boulders in door Jambs, two large boulders for threshold on concrete plinth. Walls sloped slightly inwards and tapered towards the top. [1]
A pillbox, similar to site 115409 [MNA165232] in all respects except its position, sits on top of the pebble ridge which vegetation keeps stable.The sea wall butts onto the building to the west. It has very good views over Porlock Bay and the Bristol Channel. The interior is in good condition, not filled with pebbles as is the previous site. The design of pillboxes was the responsibilty of the branch of the Directorate of Fortifications and Works at the War Office, FW36. [2-3]
A Second World War Type 24 pillbox was noted during a field visit in 1994 to be in a good condition. It was also visible from historical aerial photographs and mapped as part of the Severn Estuary RCZAS mapping project. Further information, sources and photograph references are available in the Exmoor National Park HER record MSO8054. [4]
References
- SNA65155 - Unpublished document: Isabel Richardson. 2007. Bossington Farm Archaeological Survey. 115410.
- SNA69539 - Collection: Exmoor National Park Authority. Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record (HER). MSO8054.
- SNA69576 - Vernacular Building Survey: National Trust. 1992. VBS: The Pillboxes Bossington Beach, Bossington. B1. [Mapped feature: #181273 ]
- SZN48220 - Unpublished document: Isabel Richardson. 2001. Holnicote Estate Archaeological Survey, Somerset. 115410.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- HER/SMR Reference (External): MSO8054 Exmoor National Park HER
- National Park (Exmoor)
Associated Events
- ENA3149 - Field Survey, Archaeological Survey of the Holnicote Estate 2001
- ENA6642 - Field Survey, Bossington Farm Archaeological Survey
- ENA10529 - Heritage Assessment, Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey: National Mapping Programme
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
- Related to: Type 24 Pillbox (on beach), Bossington, Holnicote Estate (Monument) - 115409 / MNA165232