Building record STT 095 - Former Radar Receiver Station, Shottisham

Former Radar Receiver Station at Shottisham comprising of two structures situated between Shottisham and Alderton, north of another ROTOR Transmitter and Receiver station at Alderton (ADT 137). These buildings were constructed as part of the ROTOR radar programme and served as a receiver site supporting RAF Bawdsey. ROTOR sites also reflect the influence of pre-war and wartime German military architecture of a post war design.

The receiver building is a single-storey structure built of light red brick laid in English bond, with a brick-on-end parapet and concrete lintels. Its fenestration is simple and repetitive, reflecting its utilitarian function, with four window apertures on each of the longer elevations and a smaller WC window. Many of the original metal casements are now missing or lie on the floor inside, and the windows lack glazing. The building’s external walls were originally painted green, likely for camouflage, though this has largely weathered away. Internally, remnants of the original layout are discernible, including a presumed workshop bench, electrical switchgear, and reinforced concrete flooring. The modular concrete cassette roof construction remains intact, contributing to the building’s architectural character.

Adjacent to the receiver building is the standby set house, which would have housed a generator. This smaller structure is built in stretcher bond brickwork and also retains traces of green paint. It features opposing doorways on the north-west and south-east elevations, and a large opening with projecting returns on the south-west elevation. Internally, it retains a radiator, electrical switchgear, and reinforced concrete flooring in the location of the former generator. These surviving features provide insight into the building’s operational role and layout.
The buildings retain some original features, including modular concrete roof construction, ventilation elements, and remnants of internal finishes such as the distinctive blue paintwork. Internally, the main receiver building would have originally comprised a receiver room, mechanical and electrical room, store, workshop, staff room and toilet. Although the internal condition has deteriorated, the layout remains legible, with some features still in situ that reflect its former use. These include electrical switchgear, reinforced concrete flooring, a small ventilation fan, and a wooden workbench fixed to the wall in the presumed workshop space. The presence of these elements allows for partial interpretation of the building’s operational function. The standby set house, which would have housed a generator, retains switchgear and wiring, a radiator, and reinforced concrete flooring in the location of the former generator. Externally, the structures remain largely intact, with minimal harmful alterations.

The site includes two sets of four concrete mast pads, marking the former locations of the radio masts. These were removed at some point, however they are featured on the 1973 Ordnance Survey mapped, indicating this site may still have been operational, however this is conjectural.
Historically, the site is significant for its association with RAF Bawdsey and the broader ROTOR radar network, which played a vital role in Britain’s air defence strategy during the Cold War (S1).