Second World War Anti-Tank Pimples, Broomfield Road (EHER 19390)

6 World War II concrete pimples stood here. Whilst deteriorated these pimples are now very rare in the County and every effort should be made to ensure their continued survival.

2001: 6 World War II Dragons Teeth. Five photographs of site. <1> June 2001: Contemporary records state, "6 Concrete Pimples, Spring View Stores, Broomfield Rd. Map ref. 151268" and "2 Concrete Pimples, 'Ringwood', Broomfield Rd. Map ref. 151268" (Mil. Ed.) <2> These anti-tank pimples would have formed the roadside element of a barrier across Broomfield Road from Nos. 173/175 on the W. side to, probably, No.150 on the E side. Across the carriageway itself, there would almost certainly have been a moveable socket-and-railway-line barrier. Anti-tank pimples were cones of concrete, generally 2' 6" high x 3' across their base. With a concrete footing, they were designed to be 'permanently' positioned. The six pimples at 'Spring View Stores', No. 173, still survive in situ on waste ground. They are half covered in soil and growth although the southernmost pimple can be clearly seen. Unfortunately this example has suffered recent damage. A large part of the top has been knocked off and the debris still lies around. The two which stood in the front garden of No. 175 completed the staggered six-row pattern which probably continued to the roadside. These two appear not to have survived although their remains may lie beneath the soil in the garden. It is not known what form the barrier took on the E. side of Broomfield Road. Four photos of site. <3> SITE ASSESSMENT June 2001: These pimples are now very rare in the County and every effort should be made to ensure their continued survival. In a short while, the damaged pimple will deteriorate further and it is considered that a sympathetic repair should be effected as soon as possible. SITE VISIT August 2005: Recently 'Spring View Stores' and 'Ringwood' have been demolished but the pimples still survive, preserved in situ as part of the redevelopment frontage of a new apartment block. Here, they stand in their own gravelled, raised area facing Broomfield Road. <4> SITE ASSESSMENT August 2005: Discussion at the development stage between the developer, Chelmsford Borough Council and the Heritage Conservation branch of Essex County Council, led to the sympathetic preservation and presentation of these anti-tank pimples, locally rare survivors from World War Two. An interpretative board is now all that is required to complete this site, an important part of the history and heritage of Chelmsford. In due course the site should be preserved statutorily, ultimately to Scheduled Monument status. <5> Information from NRHE Anti-tank cones. Approx. 2.5ft high and in 3 rows, in corner shop garden. N of Chelmsford town centre, adjacent to the Christy and Norris Iron Foundry, Chelmsford. <6> <7>