Monument record MDO46038 - Second World War range observation bunker or pillbox, Studland Heath, Studland

A World War II range observation bunker or pillbox located on Studland Heath. It was probably constructed in 1940-41 and is of reinforced concrete and brick. It faces southwest and measures 2.2 metres by 2.4 metres. Embrasures are present in the southwest, south and west sides. These embrasures were designed to be sealed, when necessary, with concrete blocks. That to the south is still in place and has two iron lifting straps. The entrance is via a concrete porch at the northeast corner. The southwest half of the structure has a sloping roof. 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 seems very unlikely to have an anti-invasion role. A field visit in 1995 found the structure to be in a good condition.

A pillbox, no specification, with a reinforced concrete roof and breeze block wall. It faces SW on a SW slope and measures 2.2m x 2.4m. The SW 0.6m of the pillbox narrows creating three sides 1m long each with embrasures in the SW, S and W sides. These embrasures were designed to be sealed, when necessary, with concrete blocks. That to the S is still in place and has two iron lifting straps. The pillbox is entered via a concrete porch at the NE corner. The SW half of the structure has a sloping roof.

The site is in good condition on heathland. Pillbox, with reinforced concrete roof and breeze block wall, with three embrasures which could be filled with rectangular concrete blocks (one in position, two on the floor). 6ft 6ins high at rear, and 7ft 6ins wide. Entrance, 3ft 2ins high x 2ft 4ins wide. Embrasures, 1ft 3ins wide x 10ins high.

[with plan drawn on form showing measurements]. Set in hillside near the top of a spur, Studland Heath, Corfe Castle Estate, Studland. Pillbox, with reinforced concrete roof and breeze block wall, with three embrasures which could be filled with rectangular concrete blocks (one in position, two on the floor). 6ft 6ins high at rear, and 7ft 6ins wide. Entrance, 3ft 2ins high x 2ft 4ins wide. Embrasures, 1ft 3ins wide x 10ins high.

LOCATION: Set in hillside near the top of a spur, Studland Heath, Corfe Castle Estate, Studland. <1>

<1> Council for British Archaeology, 1995, Defence of Britain Project, S0007708 (Digital archive). SWX5.

<2> Council for British Archaeology, 2006, Defence of Britain Project Archive DEB01, S0007708 (Excavation archive). SDO17227.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1422089 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Mar 27 2023 12:13PM