Monument record TQ 56 SW 213 - Rifle range, Preston Hill

In 2009 a desk based assessment on Preston Hill Country Park was undertaken. The rifle range was built in 1897 on land owned by Bingham Mildmay and leased to Lt. Col. G. Henderson of The Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment. The remains of the range still survive and are in good condition. The targets are still in their mechanical fittings and five of the eight butts were identified. The range was enlarged by 1910 with the 800 yard butt. The range was used by the Home Guard for training and firing exercises during the Second World War and may have been in use until the late 20th century. This area of the Darent Valley was heavily bombed during the Second World War. (1)

A programme of historic building recording took place at the site in 2012. A number of historic features associated with the rifle range and dating from the late 19th to the 20th century were identified at the site. These included the main Target area, 100-800 yard firing positions, and miscellaneous sites. Many of these were determined to be well preserved, particularly in the markers' gallery, however, several elements showed signs of structural damage and disrepair, and some features (the 600, 700, and 800 yard firing positions) no longer existed at the site.

Some of the features were challenging to date, although examination of historic mapping and construction materials were able to assist with providing broad estimates for the dates of some features. The main target area and the 100 and 300 yard positions were constructed of English bond so may have be contemporary with one another. The target store was built of Sussex bond, and may have been constructed during the First or Second World Wars. (2)

<1> Nicola Bannister, 2009, Preston Hill, Country Park, Nr Shoreham, Kent: Historic Environment Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE17171.