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Pillbox at SY 70460 71621 (Durdle Pier #1)

A World War II pillbox, located at East Weare along Portland's east coastline (grid reference: SY 70460 71621). It is one of two pillboxes to be found in the vicinity of Durdle Pier; this one being nearer to the coastline. Built using Portland stone and concrete, the use of local stone disguised the pillbox within the boulder-strewn area of East Weare. It was constructed sometime during 1940 as part of British anti-invasion preparations, at a time when the German's invasion plan, Operation Sea Lion, was considered a major threat. Across the UK, approximately 28,000 pillboxes and other similar defensive structures were built as part of the anti-invasion preparations, with around 6,500 surviving today.

As part of the Defence of Britain Project, the pillbox was inspected in 1995 and was recorded as being in good condition. To date, the pillbox survives in a similar state. Despite the open access of the pillbox, and its closeness to a public footpath, it has only suffered a small amount of graffiti.

References
1) Pastscape - Monument No. 1420401 - website page

Gallery

These images can be enlarged by clicking on them. Some images have information attached to them, and to view this you can either enlarge the image or hover the mouse over each thumbnail.
The pillbox seen from its landward side.
It has good views along Portland's east coastline and towards Portland Harbour.
The inside of the pillbox.
The pillbox as seen from Durdle Pier below.
The pillbox seen from higher up the Weares.
Durdle Pier, with the pillbox seen further along on the right.
The pillbox seen again from the path leading through Penn's Weare.
A view of the area's two pillboxes aligned - seen directly ahead.
A more obvious view of both pillbox positions.
A view of both pillboxes from the sea.
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