Second World War mined bridge, Gamage's Wood, Audley End estate (EHER 10233)

An arched brick and concrete bridge across the River Cam in Gamage's Wood, which was mined during the Second World War. Demolition chambers to take explosives and charges were fitted underneath. The bridge was further protected by an anti-tank obstacle and a pillbox at its south-western end. The mined bridge is one of a number of similar defensive features constructed along the river Cam in 1940-1941 and formed part of the Audley End Defence Area (Number 70) and part of the GHQ Line (Essex).

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: To the south of Adam Bridge in Gamage's Wood is an arched brick and concrete bridge across the River Cam. At the east end, in the centre, are three iron manhole covers 7 yards apart. These are the access covers to mining chambers which would have contained explosives to blow the bridge in the event of an enemy attack. <1> At the time of the site visit, the easternmost cover was lifted and the chamber was found to be flooded. The middle cover of the three was opened to reveal a circular chamber 5' deep x 3' diameter made from a concrete sewage pipe. At the bottom were two 2' square side chambers to the north and south. These would have contained the explosives. Wires in conduit led from the top of the main chamber to each of the side chambers. These would have eventually led to a detonation point. Four photos of site. <2> At the time of the site visit (March 1994), the easternmost cover was lifted and the chamber found to be flooded. The middle cover of the three was opened to reveal a circular chamber 5ft deep x 3ft in diameter made from a concrete sewage pipe. At the bottom were two 2ft square side chambers to the north and south. These would have contained the explosives. Wires in conduit led from the top of the main chamber to each of the side chambers. These would have eventually led to a detonation point. Located at Bridge, Gamage's Wood, Audley End Estate. <3> The bridge is not visible on the available aerial photographs due to tree cover. It was protected by an anti-tank obstacle and a pillbox at its south-western end. The mined bridge is one of a number of similar defensive features constructed along the river Cam in 1940-1941 and formed part of the Audley End Defence Area (Number 70) and part of the GHQ Line (Essex). <4> <5>