NHER 38828 (Monument record) - Word War Two defences

October 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A series of World War Two trenches and defensive emplacements are visible on aerial photographs, cut into the Evington gardens (NHER 33461) on Runton Road, Cromer. It is assumed that these trenches and associated structures are defensive, although it is possible that they may have been trench shelters or similar protective structures. Although the seafront position is more suited to an invasion defence rather than civil protection. The site is centred on TG 2169 4232.

The garden appears to be terraced with a raised platform to the west. In 1941 trenches have been cut into the front face of the gardens, alongside the road. On the western side, where terrace creates a higher ground level, there are a series of four small bastion-type features, where the trench widens out. Set inside each of these openings are small structures, probably gun positions, which can be seen to be pocking out onto the seafront on oblique aerial photographs (S2).

It is possible that the trenches extent back into the terraced area, although it is not possible to tell from the aerial photographs. A 13m long ditch is visible running alongside the side of the terrace that divides the two halves of Evington gardens. This is flanked by a low mound of upcast material. A low 5m to 6m wide bank is visible to the southern side of the eastern trench, which runs along the front of the lower terrace. On the oblique image narrow wall with a triangular profile can be seen to partially cover the front face of the trench. At TG 2169 4230 is a possible rectangular structure, 3.5m by 2.5m. The function of this structure is not known and may have no military purpose.
S. Massey (NMP), 06 October 2004.