Summary

Around part of the front garden is a 33' long crenellated wall built of concrete.

Full description

Eastbay House stands on the S side of East Street overlooking East Bridge. Around part of the front garden is a 33' long crenellated wall built of concrete. It is 2' 3" thick and 5' high with 9" crenellations on top. A dog-leg in the wall allowed it to follow the corner around. On the side facing the bridge, three spaced-out battens are set into the concrete. Contemporary records state, "Concrete firing post. Grounds of East Bay House, East Hill. Map ref. 455435" (Mil. Ed.). <1>

It is probable that at that time a fence bordered the garden – now a wall each side of the crenellated wall – and that 33' of it was taken down, replaced by the firing position and the fencing re-secured to the outside using the battens to nail it on to. This would have effectively disguised the position.

Two photos of site. <2>

SITE ASSESSMENT:
Prepared rifle positions, whether they are loopholed walls or a triangular structure as SMR 10162 are very rare survivors. At the time of writing this is the only WWII crenellated wall of this type recorded in the county.

<1> unknown, 1968, War Time Contraventions 1968, Colchester (LIST). SEX31436.

<2> Nash, Fred, 1997, Photograph of gun emplacement 10894 (Photograph). SEX61749.

Monument Types

• GUNPOST (WWII, Second World War - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)

Protected Status

• Conservation Area: Colchester - North Hill, East Hill, St Johns Green

Sources and further reading

Related records

Images

Concrete firing post, Eastbay house, East Bridge, Colchester © Essex County Council

Concrete firing post, Eastbay house, East Bridge, Colchester © Essex County Council

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