Second World War spigot mortar emplacement at junction of Catons Lane and Castle Hill (EHER 21549)

A Second World War spigot mortar base with corrugated moulds on the side of the concrete base. It is located opposite the Victory public house on a small green and covered the northern entrance into Saffron Walden.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: At the junction of Catons Lane and Castle Hill is a triangular area of grass on which stands the pedestal of a spigot mortar emplacement. This gun position is recorded in contemporary records as, “1 spigot mortar position. Bury Hill. Map ref. 989576” (Mil. Ed.). <1> There are 22 spigot mortar emplacements recorded in War Time Contraventions 1968 around Saffron Walden. This is one of three discovered to be still surviving in 2013, (see EHER 21547 and 21548). Just a few inches of the circular pedestal can be seen above the grass, surmounted by the standard stainless steel pintle. It is probable that much more of the surrounding pit, made of brick or concrete, still survives below ground level. Three photos of site. A the time of writing, just three of the original 22 spigot mortar emplacements which ringed Saffron Walden have been discovered to be still surviving. At a time of national crisis, they are an important reminder of the area’s wartime history and heritage. It is recommended that they be statutorily protected at the earliest opportunity. <2> Spigot mortar base, damaged on one side revealing reinforcing bars. The sides of the base have a corrugated finish (corrugated shuttering of some type). Covered north entrance of town. Located opposite the Victory public house, on small green in front of council houses, near B1052 road, Saffron Walden. <3>