Building record 4064/0/2 - Pillbox at Hargrave, Shropshire Union Canal

<1> CBA, 2002, Defence of Britain Project, S0006643 (Digital Archive). SCH4380.

Small, square topped clay brick and concrete pillbox. Lies close to canal - one of two on both sides of canal (SW/NE). They cover crossing of canal (Shropshire union). The structures are similar to those on the outskirts of Chester. Entry is via steps at rear of structure.

<2> County Historic Environment Record, Site Visit/Watching Brief Observation Report Form, Winfield H 01/07/04 (Unpublished Document). SCH4357.

Large square concrete block mounted on pillars in the first field from the canal, next to the tow path, seems to be covering the canal. Also seems to be in good condition.

<3> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, Edwards R 19/12/2011 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.

It has a very low profile and seems to have open sides, rather than embrasures. It is approximately 5m square. It shares the low profile and open sided characteristics with other similar structures located to the south and east of Chester. Mislocated by the Defence of Britain Project. Both structures are located to the south of the canal: one to the south-west of the bridge and one to the north-west of the bridge, adjacent to the canal.

<4> GeoInformation Group, 1940, Luftwaffe Aerial Photographs (Aerial Photograph). SCH5167.

Aerial photographs taken by the Luftwaffe on the 4th September 1940 show areas of ground disturbance at the locations of CHER 4064/0/1 and CHER 4064/0/2. This suggests that these structures were either under construction or newly constructed. A further area of disturbance is visible at the bend of the road to the south-west of the canal bridge.

<5> Osborne, M, 2008, Pillboxes of Britain and Ireland, p.176-180 (Book). SCH7504.

This structure has a marked similarity to type 6n, open topped pillboxes, known from RAF Woodford (CHER 4058/0/0), the coast north of Liverpool and Dover.