NHER 38527 (Monument) - Site of World War Two military defences

March 2004. Norfolk NMP.
An area of World War Two military structures and defences are visible alongside The Esplanade, Sheringham on aerial photographs. The site is centred on TG 1535 4349. These defences include possible gun emplacements or pillboxes and several stretches of slit and practice trench, surrounded by barbed wire obstructions. These defences must have been constructed after December 1940 as they are not present on aerial photographs of that date (S1) and before July 1941 (S2). Most of these defences appear to have been temporary and have been removed by June 1946 (S4). It is likely that they served both a defensive and military training purpose.
At TG 1534 4347 is a hexagonal ‘coffin’ shaped structure, 6.5m by 5m. It is possible that this is a gun position, such as an emplacement. To the north east of this is another roughly hexagonal structure, which is open to the east. This also has the appearance of a gun emplacement and appears to be connected to a series of bank and ditch trenches to the east. To the east is another possible section of trench running down the side of the cliff. It seems likely that this is military in origin as it seems to be associated with the rest of the defences, although it is also possible that it is an earlier feature, possibly incorporated. At TG 1530 4350 is a 4m across polygonal structure, which appears to be a pillbox. Other military structures may exist although it is hard to distinguish them from features relating to the golf course and recreational activities. The whole site is encased in a system of barbed wire defences.
S. Massey (NMP), 23 March 2004.