Summary
The Cold War West Myne radar station built between 1954 to 1956 as part of the Rotor programme. The site comprised a single-storey, surface R11 operations block and Type 13 and Type 14 (see MNA115693) radar heads. The station was made non-operational in 1958 and the buildings were demolished shortly after.
Identification Images (0)
Monument Types
- RADAR STATION (Mid 20th C - 1956 AD to 1958 AD)
Description
The Radar Station site was pointed out by the tenant farmer who stated that it was in use between 1953 and 1964. He described a building complex and two masts. The masts were sited on the northern edge of Bratton Ball. The site was completely levelled in the 1960s. [1]
West Myne radar station built between 1954 to 1956 as part of the Rotor programme to modernise the United Kingdom's radar defences built by the Air Ministry in consultation with the Royal Fine Art Commission. The site comprised a single-storey, surface R11 operations block and Type 13 and Type 14 (see MNA115693) radar heads. The foundations for the radar plinths and gantries were built sunk into the ground to limit the impact on the land. Two remote VHF transmitter and receiver blocks were situated just over a mile away at Bratton Ball (at SS 942 475 and SS 945 474). No domestic camp was provided and staff were billeted at in Alcombe and Minehead. The station was made redundant in 1958 and the buildings were demolished shortly after. The only surviving features are a large, flat area that was the site of the R11 building, a second concrete area that was possibly an ancillary building, and a road which led to the site. Further detailed information, sources and photograph references are available in the Exmoor National Park HER record MSO7673. [2]
References
- SNA69539 - Collection: Exmoor National Park Authority. Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record (HER). MSO7673. [Mapped feature: #180982 ]
- SZN48220 - Unpublished document: Isabel Richardson. 2001. Holnicote Estate Archaeological Survey, Somerset. 115693.
Designations
None Recorded
Other Statuses and References
- HER/SMR Reference (External): MSO7673 Exmoor National Park HER
Associated Events
- ENA3149 - Field Survey, Archaeological Survey of the Holnicote Estate 2001
- ENA10529 - Heritage Assessment, Severn Estuary Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey: National Mapping Programme
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
- Parent of: site of Radar Mast, North Hill, Holnicote Estate (Monument) - 115693 / MNA168305