Building record TR 16 SW 130 - Second World War pillbox, Whitstable

Site of A Second World War pillbox, Clapham Hill, Whitstable. It once stood upon arable land, but now the land is found on Clapham Hill Road. Soil and turf upon this pillbox suggested it had at one point been concealed under an earth mound. A similar one was found nearby, however this one is thought to have been demolished when Thanet Way was constructed. Both were part of Kent's 1940 anti-invasion defences. They are both part of a more extensive defence system. They were recommended for being preserved prior to work on Thanet Way. (1)

In 1990 an assessment was carried out in anticipation of the construction of the Thanet Way. Two Second World War pillboxes were found within 100m of the route. One at Clapham Hill and the other at Wraik Hill. These were both Type 24 Concrete, hexagonal pillboxes, designed as rifle and Bren gun emplacements and intended to hold 8 men. Traces of internal wooden shelving survives below the loop-holes The pillboxes are set about 265m apart and face to the north. (1)

Photographic evidence of the pillbox situated on Clapham Hill was be seen in the 1990 assessment. (1)

Pillbox. Cassini ref 545827. West of Whitstable (2)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1990, Thanet Way: Archaeological Evaluation (Unpublished document). SKE17200.

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 2002, Defence of Britain Project (Digital archive). SKE32029.