Site of Second World War road barrier, now destroyed, High Street, Thorpe-le-Soken (EHER 21554)

Site of a World War Two road barrier, now destroyed, Thorpe-le-Soken. The location of this pillbox is difficult to place, the most likely position appears to be outside The Bell hotel where the road is constricted. An aerial photograph dated July 1946 shows the faintest sign of two pimples here, on the north side, although this is by no means a positive identification.

Contemporary records state, “Road Barrier, Thorpe Street, Map ref. 626404” (Mil. Ed.). While each of the roads radiating out from the High Street, Landermere Road, Abbey Street, Station Road junction was probably cut by a removable barrier, the High Street one is difficult to place. The entry above says “Thorpe Street” but it probably refers to High Street which leads west towards Thorpe Green. The most likely position appears to be outside The Bell hotel where the road is constricted. An aerial photograph dated July 1946 shows the faintest sign of two pimples here, on the north side, although this is by no means a positive identification. <1> <2> <3>