Second World War Spigot Mortar Pit, Church Road, West Tilbury (EHER 10289)

In overgrown bushes on the S side of Church Road is a 29mm spigot mortar position guarding the road approach to West Tilbury from the E.

In overgrown bushes on the S side of Church Road is a 29mm spigot mortar position guarding the road approach to West Tilbury from the E. Most of the pit has been filled-in but the tops of the ammunition alcoves, the pedestal and stainless steel pintle all appear to be in excellent condition indicating that this may be a particularly well-preserved example Unusually, this pit is one of a pair - its partner being just 10 yards to the SW (see EHER 10288). Two photos of site. <1> Information from NRHE This is the better preserved of the two, placed on the verge of Church Street near the crest of the hill and looking eastward to cover approaches along the road. It is largely infilled and overgrown with bushes. The pit was originally entered along a narrow trench to the west which is not visible at surface level; it appears to be partially destroyed. The pit is decagonal, comprising a vertical brick lining carried outward into four rectangular ammunition alcoves, each capped with a single concrete slab roof. In the centre of the pit is a circular, gently domed concrete pedestal, crowned by a stainless steel pintle which provided a pivot for the weapon: the pintle is itself set into a flat iron plate. The depth of the pit is unknown although 3ft is usual; the pedestal is 3ft 6in (1.06m) in diameter; the iron plate just under 1ft (0.3m) in diameter and the pintle a standard 4 inch (0.10m) height and 2 inch diameter. The ammunition alcoves, of single brick construction in English bond, measure 3ft (0.91m) by 2ft (0.62m) and originally 3ft high. The slab roofs are 3ft 4in (1.03m) by 2ft 4in (0.71m) by 4 inches (0.1m) thick. Between the alcoves, outside the brick lining of the pit, is a sloping, ragged concrete apron which was originally concealed. The site was surveyed by RCHME during the East Thames Corridor Project. See survey plan at 1:50 scale. <2> Additional references <3> <4> <5> <6>