Monument record MWX43245 - WWII defence features, located within a larger military site at Kingsgate

Summary

Cluster of WWII defence features comprising of gun pits, structures, slit trenching and earthern mounds. It is located within a larger military site at Kingsgate, and mapped from military aerial photographs.

Location

Grid reference Centred TR 39490 70936 (112m by 158m)
Map sheet TR37SE
County KENT
District THANET, KENT
Civil Parish BROADSTAIRS AND ST PETERS, THANET, KENT

Map

Type and Period (5)

Full Description

Cluster of WWII defence features comprising gun pits, structures, slit trenching and earthen mounds. It is located within a larger military site at Kingsgate (MWX43234), and has been mapped from military aerial photographs taken in January 1941 [1] and December 1941 [2].

A rectangular structure is apparent directly in front of Neptune's Tower (MWX19031) and measures 4.5m by 3.5m. Less than 30m to the west is an L-shaped slit trench (measuring 5m) entirely surrounded by banking. In front of this feature are two oval mounds of earth of unknown function, measuring 11m by 3.75m and 10m by 5.5m. Further in land, behind these features, are two sub-circular gun pits with internal ditches with diameters of 3.7m and 2m. Around 100m to the south and located close to the cliff edge is another small slit trench (measuring 3m) and entirely surrounded by bank. A further square structure, measuring 4.2m and 3.5m and is a possible pillbox, is located beside the Lifeboat Station (MKE17203) at the top of an access route down to the beach. Apart from the most western gun pit, the remaining features are enclosed with barbed wire that was laid down at the same time as their construction.

The features are all gradually backfilled or removed throughout the war and are entirely gone by April 1950 [3].

Sources/Archives (0)

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Non-Intrusive Event: South-East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey (Ref: 71330) (EWX10065)

Record last edited

Aug 14 2013 3:31PM