Second World War pillbox, west of Shopland Hall (EHER 20795)

A hexagonal brick and concrete Second World War pillbox in a field near Green Lane.

February 2003. World War Two Defences in Rochford survey: site visit and desktop research. Shopland Hall is now an equestrian centre and 300 yards west of this, in open countryside backing onto a hedge, is a brick and concrete hexagonal pillbox. From this position, there is a panoramic view across to Rochford Airfield in the distance. This would have been the ultimate target for a paratroop or glider attack on the area. The pillbox measures 20 feet across, with 11 foot 6 inch long walls. The low entrance is on the east face but this has been bricked up. The walls are 3’ 6” thick with loopholes on all six sides. These are 6” high, 2’6” wide reducing to 12” wide some 10” into the wall. Each loophole has steel side pieces. Through a loophole, the central pillar can be seen. The pillbox is in good condition with only minor damage to some of the outer brickwork. <1> One photo of site. <2> NRHE data transfer: 1995-2002. Defence of Britain survey. Hexagonal pillbox. LOCATION: In field near Green Lane, north from Waitrose store, Eastern Avenue, Southend. <3> <4>