Monument record MDO17971 - Maiden Newton Anti-Tank Blocks

Second World War anti tank obstacle consisting of a line of anti tank blocks on the west side of the Wiltshire Somerset and Weymouth Railway at Maiden Newton. The tank trap was constructed in 1940-41, comprising twenty one concrete anti-tank blocks situated 50 yards along the railway line from Maiden Newton Station, off Norden Lane. A field survey in 1997 found the structures to be in a good condition. The blocks are visible as structures on aerial photographs taken in 1947 and were digitally plotted during the Upper Frome and Sydling Valleys AIM project.

1. 21 Anti-Tank blocks situated 50 yards along the railway line from Maiden Newton station.
2. The Blocks are divided into two sections; 16 on the Northside and 5 on the South.
3. There is no remaining evidence of the blocks being joined by a blockade.
4. All Blocks are overgrown with vegetation and it is particularly difficult to see those on the southside as there is no direct access without crossing the railway line.

21 anti-tank blocks situated 50 yards along the railway line from Maiden Newton Station. The blocks are divided into two sections; 16 on the northside and 5 on the south. There is no remaining evidence of the blocks being joined by a blockade. All blocks are overgrown with vegetation. Railway Station, Maiden Newton. <1-3>

Second World War anti tank obstacle comprising a line of anti tank blocks on the west side of the Wiltshire Somerset and Weymouth Railway at Maiden Newton. The blocks are visible as structures on aerial photographs taken in 1947 <4> and were digitally plotted during the Upper Frome and Sydling Valleys AIM project.

<1> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project, S0000039 (Digital archive). SWX5.

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 2003, Defence of Britain Project Database, S0000039 (Machine readable data file). SDO128.

<3> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01, S0000039 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<4> Royal Air Force, 11-APR-1947, RAF/CPE/UK/1974 RS 4383-4 (Aerial Photograph). SDO16525.

<5> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1416261 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 11 2023 3:36PM