Substantial lengths of barbed wire entanglement are visible as structures in RAF/HLA/383 RS 959 28-DEC-1941 and US/7PH/GP/LOC295 V 5005 20-APR-1944. These features are part of the defences constructed around St Nicholas at Wade during the Second World War, forming a Defended Area.

This record encompasses the entanglement arranged to the north and east of the village. It articulated with the lengthy, complex trench network that was established during 1940-41. The barbed wire entanglement enclosed the north side of the village from Shuart Lane to Canterbury Road, with a branch covering the ground now occupied by Bedford Way. A small earthwork revetment visible on RAF/HLA/383 RS 959 28-DEC-1941 was built against the end of the barbed wire entanglement at what is now the junction of Bedford Way and The Length.

All traces of these features have been removed. They were mapped as part of the Historic England Isle of Thanet project in 2024. (1-3)

<1> Historic England Archive, 1944, Historic England Archive USAF vertical aerial photographs, US/7PH/GP/LOC295 V 5005 20-APR-1944 (Archive). SKE57114.

<2> Historic England Archive, 1941-1960, Historic England Archive RAF vertical aerial photographs, RAF/HLA/383 RS 959 28-DEC-1941 (Archive). SKE57101.

<3> Next Perspectives, 2003-2021, Next Perspectives APGB orthophotography, Next Perspectives APGB Imagery 07-APR-2021 (Archive). SKE57110.