Ancient Monuments

History on the Ground

This site is entirely user-supported. See how you can help.

Aberystwyth Harbour Defences

A Scheduled Monument in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

More Photos »
Approximate Location Map
Large Map »

If Google Street View is available, the image is from the best available vantage point looking, if possible, towards the location of the monument. Where it is not available, the satellite view is shown instead.

Coordinates

Latitude: 52.406 / 52°24'21"N

Longitude: -4.089 / 4°5'20"W

OS Eastings: 257990

OS Northings: 280724

OS Grid: SN579807

Mapcode National: GBR 8R.PHW4

Mapcode Global: VH4FC.2SND

Entry Name: Aberystwyth Harbour Defences

Scheduled Date: 13 December 2007

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 1227

Cadw Legacy ID: CD248

Schedule Class: Defence

Category: Pillbox

Period: Post Medieval/Modern

County: Ceredigion

Community: Aberystwyth

Built-Up Area: Aberystwyth

Traditional County: Cardiganshire

Description

The monument consists of a reinforced concrete pillbox, dating to the early period of World War II (AD 1940-41). The pillbox is located on top of a small knoll overlooking the entrance to Aberystwyth Harbour and the bridge from Trefechan over the Afon Ystwyth to the Bar. The pillbox is built to standard War Office FW3/24 specifications, possessing seven embrasures, and was originally one of at least three known structures defending the harbour. It is an irregular hexagon in shape on plan and measures c. 4.85m in length N-S by 3.8m transversely and a maximum of 2.3m in height externally. The walls measure 0.39m in thickness. The pillbox entrance is shielded by a porch and two protective walls, which measure c. 2.7m in length and 1.7m in width. A grass and turf covering protects the roof and provides camouflage through concealment.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of World War II anti-invasion practices. The monument is well preserved. It is an important relic of actions taken against the perceived threat of a German invasion from Ireland. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. The scheduled area is circular and measures 12m in diameter.

Source: Cadw

Other nearby scheduled monuments

AncientMonuments.uk is an independent online resource and is not associated with any government department. All government data published here is used under licence. Please do not contact AncientMonuments.uk for any queries related to any individual ancient or schedued monument, planning permission related to scheduled monuments or the scheduling process itself.

AncientMonuments.uk is a Good Stuff website.