Second World War Pillbox, Brightlingsea Road, Thorrington (EHER 21333)

A small Second World War type 22 pillbox, with a north facing 'creep-through' entrance and concrete facing. It is located by the B1029 road to the north of Brightlingsea in a small valley on the east side of the road

Just north of the Thorrington/Brightlingsea parish boundary is a Type FW3/22 pillbox standing by the B1029 road north of Brightlingsea, in a small valley on the east side of the road overlooking a stream. [with site location plan drawn on form] <1>. Here, the road negotiates a sharp bend at the bottom of two hills and the pillbox would have guarded the road barrier which cut the route into Brightlingsea (SMR 21332). It is built hexagonally with its low entrance on the south face, with the opening facing west, suggesting that it was sited to protect against attack from inland. The construction is of concrete with a single larger-type loophole in each face. These have steel side pieces, typical of this type of loophole. The north facing 'creep-through' entrance and concrete facing. Inside the entrance there is anti-ricochet walling; in the main firing chamber the central pillar, built not as support but to prevent bullets entering the loophole and ricocheting around inside, has gone. At the time of the site visit there were signs of recent habitation and a new wooden door had been attached to the inside of the chamber. Overall, the pillbox is in reasonable condition although the rectangular entrance part has broken away from the main body. Most of the structure is covered in ivy making much of it difficult to see. Four photos of site. <2> Additional reference <3>