Site of Second World War fortified pavilion, Bowling Club, Hall Lane (EHER 21458)

The Pavilion of the Bowling Club was fortified during World War Two.

Contemporary records state, “Fortified for defence purposes. Pavilion of Bowling Club, Hall Lane. Map ref. 706404” (Mil. Ed.). The entry is dated 23.4.41. <1> A pre-war Walton guide describes the bowls green as being” at the end of Esplanade, rear of tennis courts (Harpers)” with a “good clubhouse”. There were “two greens of 6 rinks each”. <2> An aerial photograph shows what may be the clubhouse, S of the tennis courts, where No. 29 is now. <3> An aerial photograph taken in July 1946 shows it still there on an otherwise seemingly deserted site. <4> Site visit by F. Nash in March 2012, The tennis courts are still there and are clearly used. The bowls greens are gone and a house now stands on the site.