Second World War spigot mortar emplacement at Colchester Road (EHER 8993)
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Summary
A Second World War steel and concrete spigot mortar base located by the road between Earls Colne and Colchester.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | TL 8168 3067 (point) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | HALSTEAD, BRAINTREE, ESSEX |
Type and Period
Description
Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import:
1994. Watching brief.
Following information from a resident of Sudbury, Suffolk, a watching brief located a Spigot Mortar base. It is located opposite the Woodmans Public House on Colchester Road, Halstead. It is set back from the road by approximately 2m and is situated beneath a series of small bushes. It is only partially visible.
It appears to be complete and if so would consist of a circular concrete pedestal, 1.2m high by 1m diameter, with a domed top, set in an hexagonal pit, about 1m deep, made of concrete and with 4 alcoves for storing ammunition. A stainless steel pintle in the top of the pedestal would have supported the gun.
Site Assessment = The area behind this site is currently subject of a planning application for development. As this is the first spigot mortar base to be found in Essex it should be preserved. <1> <2>
It was for use by the Home Guard in defence of the town. <3>
Spigot mortar base located on road between Earls Colne and Colchester, Halstead. <4>
Sources
- <1> SEX28699 Watching Brief Report: Havis, R.. 1994. Second World War Spigot Mortar Base at Colchester Road, Halstead. Watching Brief Report.
- <2> SEX28700 Artifact: Havis, R.. 1994. PERS COMM by Havis, R.
- <3> SEX53927 DESC TEXT: Medlycott, M.. 1999. Halstead: Historic Town Assessment Report.
- <4> SEX76214 Webpage: Clarke, J.. 1996-2003. Defence of Britain Database.
Related Events (1)
Other References
- Old SMR Number: TL83
- NRHE identifier: 1421285
- National Monuments Record: TL 83 SW 83