Spalding Second World War pillbox preserved thanks to community project
A pillbox, which would have formed a ‘ring of steel’ around Spalding has been preserved for future generations thanks to community efforts.
The Primrose Way Pillbox - a rare example of its type - is one of three fortifications constructed on the outskirts of Spalding to allow the Home Guard to fight off any Nazi invasion during the Second World War.
Sadly over the years the brick work had begun to perish prompting fears over its future.
But thanks to the generosity of Dale Harrison Building and Restoration Ltd with help from Simon Parker at Gibbs and Dandy and South Holland District Council, the fortification will last for another 80 years.
Heritage builder Mr Harrison has spent an estimated £10,000 to £15,000 on rebuilding the outer brick skin of the pillbox.
The project, which took three to four weeks to complete, saw his team breaking off the original bricks and rebuilding over the inner concrete and brick shells.
Mr Harrison, who has also completed the refurbishment of Ayscoughfee Hall Cafe, said it was ‘superb’ thing to get involved with after being approached by the council.
He said: “The bricks had perished to the point it had fallen into disrepair.
“We have given it another lease of life so it can stand for another 80 years.
“I am proud to be involved in saving something like this. There are not many times that you get to rebuild something like this pillbox.”
Mr Harrison said the real challenge fell to Simon Parker, branch manager of Gibbs and Dandy in St Thomas’ Road, Spalding.
The self-confessed ‘brick nerd’ had been able to not only identify the right type but had been able to track down 73ml pre-war common bricks.
Mr Parker said: “It was really enjoyable and very proud to help to return it to its former glory.
“We have been in the town for many years and it is nice to be involved.
“Residents in Primrose Way are so proud of the pillbox. As soon as I came down to have a look they were coming to have a chat.”
Chris Gray has lived in Primrose Way for 24 years and is proud of the pillbox.
He has placed a history board outside the pillbox and is also planning some poppy planting around the site.
Mr Gray said: “It is important to preserve our heritage.
“It is also important that people can come and look and read about it.”
It was among 30,000 pillboxes which were built as part of anti-invasion preparations across the country. There are two others in Horseshoe Road and Monkshouse Lane.
The Directorate of Fortifications and Works was set-up in May 1940 to provide effective pillbox designs which could be constructed by soldiers and local labour at appropriate defensive locations.
These fortifications - known as pillboxes due to their shape - were aimed to act as anti-tank obstacles with the aim to halt invading Nazi forces.
Wall thickness could vary from 12in to 42in with the thinner ones aiming to be bullet proof while the others would withstand a shell attack.
The Primrose Way pillbox, a type 22 pillbox and built using Fletton bricks, is hexagon in shape with an embrasure in five of the sides and an entrance to the other.
A free standing blast wall covers the entrance and this makes the Primrose Way a rare example.
There is currently no official protection for this pillbox but the council intend to apply for listed status.
Conservation and heritage portfolio holder Coun Liz Sneath praised residents for their care of the pillbox.
Coun Sneath, whose father was a dispatch rider for the local Home Guard, said: “When we were facing the threat of invasion then this pillbox would have been part of a ring of steel around the town. Dale and Simon have done a wonderful job. We are so pleased and proud that restoration will last.”
Coun Rodney Grocock, who is the assets porfolio holder, also praised the hard work in restoring the pillbox during a speech at a celebration on Saturday. He said: “Can I thank Chris Gray and the residents living near the pillbox to ensure that it did not fall into disrepair.”