Monument record 6461/0/1 - C20th ROC Monitoring Post

A Royal Observer Corps monitoring post. The site was built as part of an extensive network of posts designed to confirm and report hostile aircraft and nuclear attacks on the United Kingdom. It was opened during November 1959 and closed in September 1991. At the time of the Defence of Britain survey the site was found to be in a good condition. It was located underground in a rectangular compound east of a covered reservoir on the north side of an access track/public footpath to Mill House, 200 yards east of Sutton Road (B664).

{1} In summer of 1965 RAF decided that no longer required services of ROC in low-level reporting role; last 2880 or so active overground structures became redundant; Sutton Bassett opened 1938; ngr 777907; 1959 became underground protected post accommodation for nuclear role; still in use Oct 1968;

{2} Situated on a plot of land extending approx 377 sq yards - the ROC post is below ground and comprises one room. Entry to the post is through a hatch with ladder to below ground level;

{3} Copy of a 1993 PSA brochure on the sale of this post, as providied by B Lowry 1997. The brochure description allows for accurate identification of the NGR and parish location. The brochure descirbes the ROC post as "below ground and comprises one room. Entry to the post is through a hatch with a ladder to below ground level".

{4} There were 19 Observer posts in Northants during WW". Identifying number for Sutton Bassett was A4;

{5} Underground post appears to be intact and thus in good condition; new entry hatch cover has been installed preventing access. Old Hatch cover abandoned nearby. Adjoining SW side of the U/G post is a small rectangular brick structure (at SP 77659061) with concrete roof. Doorway (with broken wooden door) to SW with single window to the NE. One end occupied by two wooden bunks. Excellent views all round from the post but particularly over the Welland valley to the W, N & E. Derelict cottage Mill House lies a short distance further to the SE but has no known association with the ROC post. Modern U/G? water tank lise to the NW of the ROC post. Photos.

{6} "The brick structure containing the bunks is the original WW2 post, and once had a second storey of either timber or brick housing the observation area and plotting chart on the east end of the building (bolts remain in the centre of the roof) and a small shelter on the west. The floor of the shelter is lower than the observation floor to allow a clear view to the west. On the south side of the building can be seen holes for supporting timber and a faint stain where the steps to the upper level stood. On the west elevation there is a line of bitumen and further timber holes, possibly for a lean-to outside toilet. This would be very similar to a typw shown on p. 33 of 2oth century defences and dated 1944/45."

{7} Described as Sutton Bassett ROC Monitoring Post. NGR SP 776698062. Opened Nov 1959, Closed Sept 1991. It was located underground in a rectangular compound east of a covered reservoir on the north side of an access track/public footpath to Mill House, 200 yards east of Sutton Road (B664). Visited by Sub. Britt. 17/07/99; described as locked with all surface features intact; rebuilt access shaft with new larger hatch (Torlift) fitted; much internal fixtures/fittings(?); two storey brick observation post stands nearby.

{9} A Royal Observer Corps monitoring post. The site was built as a part of an extensive network of posts designed to confirm and report hostile aircraft and nuclear attacks on the United Kingdom. At the time of the Defence of Britain survey the site was found to be in a good condition.

<1> Wood D., 1992, Attack Warning Red: The Royal Observer Corps & The Defence of Britain 1925-1992 (Survival), (unchecked) (Chapter). SNN1225.

<2> Wood D., 1992, Attack Warning Red: The Royal Observer Corps & The Defence of Britain 1925-1992 (Survival), (unchecked) (Chapter). SNN1225.

<3> 1993, CATALOGUE OF SALE, (unchecked) (Extract). SNN42079.

<4> Gibson M.L., 1982, Aviation In Northamptonshire: An Illustrated History, P. 78-79 (Book). SNN100276.

<5> Cadman, G., 2001, ROC Monitoring Post, Weston By Welland, (unchecked) (Notes). SNN104623.

<6> Armishaw, A., 2001, Letter, (unchecked) (Letter). SNN104624.

<7> 2002, Subterranea Britannica Web Site, (unchecked) (Website). SNN101437.

<8> Armishaw, A., ROC Post, Weston by Welland, (checked) (Photographic prints (COL)). SNN108725.

<9> Migrated Defence of Britain Project database record originally compiled from various sources (Database). SNN112922.

<10> Historic England, Undated, Defence of Britain, DEB01 (Archive). SNN112947.

Record last edited

Mar 7 2022 2:25PM