NHER 43750 (Monument record) - World War One to World War Two date trench at Hickling School

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The earthworks of World War One to World War Two date trench are visible on aerial photographs at Hickling School (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 4117 2379. The trench is a crenellated World War One style trench and it is possible that it was used as an air raid shelter during the war.

The style of the trenches would suggest a World War One date. In 1945 (S1) the earthworks are partially grassed over and this may suggest that they are not freshly dug, again indicating a World War One date. However there are signs of recent activity and fresh earth movement. In 1946 (S2) the site shows more signs of recent activity and it is possible that some sort of re-filling or levelling is taking place. It is therefore possible that the trenches were originally World War One in date, possibly being re-used during World War Two. The proximity to the school could suggest that they were utilised as a school air raid shelter, although this is not certain. It is also possible that the trench was constructed early in World War Two, utilising a World War One style of construction.

On both years additional possible structures are visible to the immediate west within the school grounds, but they cannot be seen clearly enough to identify them as definite World War Two features.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.

Nov 2007. Only some slight undulations in the grass playing field mark the position of the trenches. Note however that the air photograph mentioned also shows a large building between the trenches and the school, now vanished; a temporary building is on its site.
E. Rose (NLA), 8 November 2007.