Second World War demolition chamber at Tea Bridge, Audley End estate (EHER 10221)

On the south side of a high red brick wall is a Palladian-style bridge across the River Cam, known as the Tea Bridge. Three yards to the west, in the shrubs, is a circular 4' diameter chamber sunk into the ground. This was a chamber designed to hold explosive charges for blowing the bridge.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: On the south side of a high red brick wall is a Palladian-style bridge across the River Cam, known as the Tea Bridge. Three yards to the west, in the shrubs, is a circular 4' diameter chamber sunk into the ground. This was a chamber designed to hold explosive charges for blowing the bridge. <1> There are at least four bridges containing mining chambers on the estate. Internal inspection of this one proved to be impossible as it was heavily slabbed over. Two photos of site. <2> A Second World demolition chamber is located 3m west of the Tea Bridge at Audley End, in shrubs at TL 5229 3852. It comprises a circular chamber of 4ft diameter which is sunk into the ground so that only the top hatch is visible. The chamber was designed to hold explosive charges for blowing the bridge in the event of an invasion. It was one of a number of similar features adapted for defence along the River Cam in 1940-1941 within the Audley End Defence Area (Number 70) and formed part of the GHQ Line (Essex). <3> <4>