Second World War pillbox, Temple Farm, Sutton (EHER 20793)

A Second World War reinforced concrete pillbox, probably of a variant type-24 form, located near Temple Farm on Sutton Road.

February 2003. World War Two Defences in Rochford survey: site visit and desktop research. In a field on the north side of the track to Temple Farm stands a brick and concrete hexagonal pillbox. It measures 20’ across with walls 11’6” long. The low entrance is on the west face and on top of this, and across the entire roof of the pillbox, are short lengths of half inch steel rod, concreted into the structure. These have been bent over to form hooks or loops. It is probable that these were used for attaching a disguise, possibly straw or camouflage netting. Many pillboxes were disguised in this way, some with gables or a sloping, barn-like, corrugated iron roof. Some of the outer brickwork is coming away from the top of the walling but otherwise the structure is in good condition. The walls are 4’ thick with loopholes on all six sides. These are 6” high, 2’6” wide, reducing to 12” wide some 10” into the wall. In the middle of the roof is a 6” square hole. The purpose of this is unknown, but may have been for ventilation or for a periscope. The entire structure sits on a concrete raft some 3’ larger in diameter than the pillbox. <1> Three photos of site. <2> NRHE data transfer: 1995-2002. Defence of Britain survey. Pillbox that is probably a variation of a type 24. A low protected entrance can be seen at the rear. LOCATION: Near Temple Farm, Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea. [with site location plan drawn on form]. <3> <4>