Monument record 8619/0/1 - London Road/Hardingstone Turn Road Block

Site of one of Northampton's original seventeen Second World War anti-tank island roadblocks constructed of steel rails.

{1} London Road by the Hardingstone Turn Road Block. This was one of the original 17 road blocks set up around Northampton in 1940. With the designation of Northampton as a Nodal point in September 1941 and the creation of a number of Defended Localities in the town, the London Road road block was abandoned and the concrete cylinders moved to strengthen other defences. It seems to be a completely different road block to that built only a few yards down the Hardingstone Lane by the County Council. Hardingstone was the HQ of the 11th battalion Home Guard.

{5} One of the original 17 Northampton roadblocks constructed of steel rails set in slots in the road. The roadblock was reinforced with concrete cylinders in mid 1941. Removed in September 1941. Road block was manned by 12th Btn Northamptonshire Home Guard (Northampton Borough) from Mid-August 1940 until removal. For further information see SRF. Old Hardingstone Turn, London Road, Northampton.

<1> HOLLOWELL S., 1998, Defence of Britain Recording Forms: Hardingstone Turn Road Block, (unchecked) (Recording Form (Not SMR)). SNN51559.

<2> Barnes L.E., 1946, History of the 12th Northamptonshire Battalion Home Guard 1940-1944, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN55036.

<3> Holloway B.G., 1949, The Northamptonshire Home Guard 1940-45, (unchecked) (Book). SNN55038.

<4> 1940, Letter and Schedule From The County Surveyor, (unchecked) (Letter). SNN58351.

<5> Migrated Defence of Britain Project database record originally compiled from various sources (Database). SNN112922.

<6> Historic England, Undated, Defence of Britain, DEB01 (Archive). SNN112947.

Record last edited

Nov 21 2023 11:10AM