Monument record MWX1466 - Second World War range observation bunker or pillbox, Studland Heath, Studland

A World War II range observation bunker or pillbox situated on Studland Heath. Construction is of concrete and brick. If it is a pillbox, it appears to be of a modified type 24 design, with an entrance porch, measuring 3.3 metres from north to south and 4.2 metres from east to west. The walls and entrance porch are of brick and the roof of concrete. From 1942 Studland Heath was in use as a military training area. Although this structure has been described as a possible pillbox, it is more likely to be a range observation bunker as it faces south and therefore it seems very unlikely to have an anti-invasion role. The structure was probably constructed in 1940-41. A field visit in 1995 found it to be in a good condition.

A concrete and brick pillbox, no specification, measures 3.3m from N to S and 4.2m from E to W. The walls and entrance porch are of brick and the roof of concrete. The W half of the pillbox narrows from 3.3 to 2m, with 2 embrasures on the NW and SW sides. The roof on the W half slopes down to the W. The pillbox is sited on a W slope. The E side is cut into the slope and the W side is 1.2m high above the ground surface. A similar pillbox lies 200m to the N.

The site is in good condition on heathland. There has been slight damage from vegetation and visitors and moderate damage from water action. Pillbox of a modified type 24 design, with entrance porch. Brick and concrete.

[With measured plan and elevation drawn on form]. On Studland Heath, Corfe Castle Estate, Studland. Pillbox of a modified type 24 design, with entrance porch. Brick and concrete. <1>

<1> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project, S0007706 (Digital archive). SWX5.

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01, S0007706 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1422087 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jul 15 2024 11:11AM