Building record 7159/1/1 - WWII Pillbox, Nunn Mills

Second World War circular concrete [type 25?] pillbox constructed without roof and with high level entrance and central well. On East boundary fence of Power Station site, Nunns Mill Road, Northampton.

{1} Armishaw reports the discovery of this the second pillbox found besides Northampton Power Station. "It is of the same type as the one on the river bank," [Mon 7159/1/3] "but is in its original condition… Located just outside the eastern fence of the power station." "A friend tells me that the site was used for testing jet engines during the war, and that there is an interesting building looking like a 1ft thick concrete nissen hut, which may be connected… no documentary evidence of this." Photographs of pillbox. It stands adjacent to a redundant section of the power station perimeter metal fencing which contains a sealed up pedestrian gate, possibly providing access to and from the pillbox?

{5} The structure remains in situ. The concrete structure is in good condition though the immediate surrounds and interior are overgrown. Exterior subject to spray painted graffiti. Photos.

{6} Built next to the outside of the eastern boundary fence of the former power station site, c.75m south of the River. A circular concrete pillbox of unusual design, with a high level entrance, central well and no roof. Four long narrow loopholes are present. Possibly built to allow use when the surrounding land is flooded? There is also a similar pillbox on the river bank at SP76465973 [Mon 7159/1/3].

{7} Circular concrete [type 25?] pillbox constructed without roof and with high level entrance and central well. Four long narrow embrasures. In very good condition. Area C/O, B. Lowry, suggests it could have had a secondary role as an LAA position. On E boundary fence of Power Station site, Nunns Mill Road, Northampton.

<1> Armishaw A., 1999, Defence of Britain Report Form, (unchecked) (Recording Form (Not SMR)). SNN51514.

<2> Armishaw A., 1999, Plan, (unchecked) (Plan). SNN59782.

<3> Armishaw A., 1999, Copies of Original Photographs, (unchecked) (Photographs). SNN52335.

<4> Historic England, Undated, Defence of Britain, DEB01 (Archive). SNN112947.

<5> Cadman, G., 2010, Update note for SMR, (checked) (Note). SNN106959.

<6> Northamptonshire HER, Unknown, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments (Oral Report). SNN115011.

<7> Migrated Defence of Britain Project database record originally compiled from various sources (Database). SNN112922.

<8> Cadman, G., 2010, Pillbox/ Guardpost, (checked) (Photographic prints (COL)). SNN106960.

<9> Armishaw, A., Power Station Pillbox During Siphoning Operation, (checked) (Photographic prints (COL)). SNN108903.

Record last edited

Nov 28 2023 3:00PM