Monument record BUT 061 - Post built structure of unknown date and function, possibly a sea defence or World War II beach defence.

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Summary

A post built structure of unknown date and function is visible on aerial photographs of 1945, in the inter-tidal zone of the Butley River, Butley parish

Location

Grid reference Centred TM 39583 47208 (3m by 13m)
Map sheet TM34NE
Civil Parish BUTLEY, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK

Map

Type and Period (3)

Full Description

A structure of unknown date and function is visible on aerial photographs of 1945 as a post-built structure centred on circa TM39584720, extending from the edge of the saltmarsh into the inter-tidal area of the Butley river, Gedgrave parish. The structure is about 13m long, and extends across the intertidal zone to the edge of central river channel. There are no features marked in this area on either the first or second edition Ordnance Survey maps of circa 1884 or 1904, but the possibility that these features are Post Medieval groynes or jetties that were not previously visible, cannot be discounted. However, it is felt that a modern date and World War II military function may be more likely. Although there are no visible barriers strung between or across the posts, it is possible that any such structures might have been removed by September 1945. This feature is one of at least thirty seven such structures visible along the banks of the Butley River in 1945, most set in matching pairs on either side of the main channel. A feature forming such a pair with this one, can be seen opposite this structure at circa TM39594727 (GED 062). This paired arrangement may support an interpretation as a series of World War II barriers, particularly as they are not visible on any photographs after 1945. (S1-3)

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <S1> Photograph: RAF. Air Photograph. RAF 106G/UK/832 4124-5 23-SEP-1945.
  • <S2> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1880s. Ordnance Survey 25 inch to 1 mile map, 1st edition. circa 1884.
  • <S3> Map: Ordnance Survey. c 1904. Ordnance Survey 25 inch to 1 mile map, 2nd edition. 25". circa 1904.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Jun 24 2013 12:02PM

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