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
To the south of Adam Bridge in Gamage's Wood is an arched brick and concrete bridge across the River Cam. At the east end, in the centre, are three iron manhole covers 7yds apart. These are the access covers to mining chambers which would have contained explosives to blow the bridge in the event of an enemy attack.
At the time of the site visit, the easternmost cover was lifted and the chamber found to be flooded. The middle cover of the three was opened to reveal a circular chamber 5ft deep x 3ft in diameter made from a concrete sewage pipe. At the bottom were two 2ft square side chambers to the north and south. These would have contained the explosives. Wires in conduit led from the top of the main chamber to each of the side chambers. These would have eventually led to a detonation point.
(Source: Field Visit 1994/03)
Mined bridge - prepared for demolition. Cassini ref. 973565.
(Source: Document 1942/07/24)
| Type of site | MINED BRIDGE |
|---|---|
| Location | At Abbey Farm bridge, Gamage's Wood, Audley End Estate. |
| Area |
Littlebury, Essex, England |
| Grid reference |
TL 5239 3770
(Scale: 1:25000
)
|
| Period | WW2 |
| Condition | Good |
| Materials | Concrete |
| Recorder | Nash, Fred (Archaeological Advisory Group, Essex County Council Planning) |
| Defence grouping |
GHQ Line (Essex) - |
| Photographs |
|
| DOB site reference: | S0000380 |
| Associated Identifier | Essex SMR (ref: 10233) |
| Reference |
1996 Anti-invasion defences of WWII 1998/06 World War Two Defences in Essex, Interim Report 1942/07/24 Essex Sub Area Operation Instruction no.15 |
| Event |
Field Visit, In 1994/03 Construction, In the period 1940 1941 |
