Defence of Britain Archive
Council for British Archaeology, 2002. (updated 2006) https://doi.org/10.5284/1000327. How to cite using this DOI
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 324
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1000327
- How to cite using this DOI
Anti-tank blocks in a line at right angles to the sea on Chesil Beach
(Source: Book 1999/12)
Anti-tank blocks in two lines at the W end of the beach stretching from the sea to the lagoon. One of the blocks has a crude shield drawn in the concrete, possibly the device of the construction company [inscription].
(Source: Field Visit 2001/03)
Structures in two lines marked as 'posts' plotted from OS sheet.
(Source: Map 1964)
Massive structure of parallel lines of anti-tank cubes originally crossing the width of the Chesil Bank from the waters of the Abbotsbury Swannery lagoon to the sea. It consists of two rows of 4ft cubes set on parallel concrete rafts rising from the lagoon and twisting over the hump of the bank. The lines extend now to the summit of the bank - the cubes on the seaward side have been buried or lost. Two adjacent pillboxes survive [see UORNs 3114 and 3115]. The total number of surviving blocks is 89. Where the N line turns from the crest of the bank, a longer (5ft x 4ft) block is positioned. On the inner face of the S line there are two holes in each cube [to take metal bars?]. There are, however, no corresponding holes in the N blocks. Part of the N line has been damaged (presumably by the sea), and three blocks have fallen outwards. On the summit of the bank, a block between the two lines has the rough shape of a shield drawn in the concrete.
(Source: Field Visit 2003/01/18)
Double line of anti-tank blocks plotted from air photograph. The N and S ends of the line have been destroyed or buried. Four pillboxes stood close to these blocks - UORNs 3114, 3115, 16309, 16310.
(Source: Air Photograph 1940/08/05)
| Type of site | CUBE |
|---|---|
| Location | On Chesil Bank at Reeds End, at W end of Abbotsbury Swannery. |
| Area |
Abbotsbury, Dorset, England |
| Grid reference |
SY 56895 83991
SY 5680 8393 SY 56825 83966 SY 5693 8400 SY 56812 83950 SY 5678 8390 |
| Period | WW2 |
| Condition | Good |
| Materials | Reinforced Concrete |
| Recorder | Kilner, Tom |
| Defence grouping |
Dorset coast defences - Defences of the Dorset coast line and immediate hinterland. |
| Photographs |
(3) - site views and detail (DIGITISED). |
| Adjacent sites | [adjacent type 26 pillboxes - see UORNs 3114-3115]. |
| DOB site reference: | S0012099 |
| Reference |
1999/12 Dorset Attacked, Dorset Defended 1940/08/05 225A/BR2 52 (frs.5-6) |
| Event |
Field Visit, During 2001/08 Field Visit, During 2001/03 Field Visit, On 2003/01/18 Construction, In the period 1940 1941 |
