Pillbox at SY 70460 71621 (Durdle Pier #1)
A World War II pillbox, located at East Weares 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 Weares. 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
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
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