The Spigot Mortar, or a Bombard as it’s also know. They were developed in the 1930’s although it wasn’t until the Second World War that Prime Minister Winston Churchill approved the anti-tank weapon for mass production with over 20,000 produced throughout the war, issued to forces across the land. As the black and white image…
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Winchester Palace was built in the 12th-century and served as the London townhouse for the Bishops of Winchester. The Bishop of Winchester was a major landowner in Southwark, in Surrey, and he traditionally served as the King’s Royal Treasurer, performing the function of the modern Chancellor of the Exchequer and therefore had to frequently meet with…
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These anti-tank defences have been in the same spot since the Second World War. Turn back the clock and these dragons teeth acted as a movable road block, to prevent any German tanks from entering Broomfield Road. These are just one of many Second World War defences in and around Chelmsford, although these are thought…
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Berners Roding is a tiny village in the mid-Essex countryside. In fact, it is barely a village at all. Compared to a 1777 map, the village appears to have hardly changed, perhaps even shrunk. Consisting of a few farm buildings and a row of houses, it may not even be established enough to be classed…
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Situated close to the A12, this immaculately preserved ROC Post hasn’t been touched for years and is pretty much a time capsule. Built in the June of 1959, a month before the one at Hatfield Peverel, the site holds many relics that would have been in the bunker when it was first opened including old bedding,…
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The Dragon’s Teeth along the River Wey in Guildford are just one of many examples of surviving Second World War tank defences in the town. Dozens of these small pyramids stretch through the woodland from the river up the edge of the woods. Known as ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ these concrete defences were designed to slow down…
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In preparation for Operation Overlord, the codename for the Battle of Normandy, Canadian troops build a replica section of the Atlantic Wall. In 1940 Germany had seized large areas of France, however were concerned about being attacked from the Americans, before they had a chance to invade Britain. Hitler gave the order for German soldiers…
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Radar Tower On the river Thames foreshore just south of the fort lies an early radar tower built in the Second World War. There was also once a searchlight emplacement here, now lost to erosion, but a tripoded MG pillbox does survive further west along the foreshore. Because radar was a very secret British technology…
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Hans Egede Shipwreck – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA What would be a seemingly insignificant shipwreck actually actually has a fascinating history. Dutch-built ship ‘Hans Egede’ currently lies half destroyed and rotting along the Kent coast. There’s no hope of it ever being used again; only left for nature to continue eroding it. But how…
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Brennan Torpedo Station – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA The Brennan torpedo was invented by Louis Brennan in 1877. Two propellers were rapidly spun by wires wound up inside the torpedo being released. Once launched from a land station, the weapon could potentially hit a target 1,800 metres away, travelling up to 31mph. Whilst Louis…
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