Bovis Homes "GHQ Line A" Pillbox!

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EagleDay

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Picture taken back in Feb 2009 of a shellproof [i believe] type 24 pillbox that is now is surrounded by houses in a new Bovis Homes development just south of Reading, Berkshire.
Box is sealed and left by the developers [points given] as a feature on an area of green space for those lucky inhabitants to admire forgotten history from their lounge and kitchen windows!.:lol::)
National grid reference is SU712659.
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Interesting. I wonder how long it will be before the residents get a petition up against it and have it pulled down?

Have to agree mind - removing the greenery on and around it will tidy the place up no end.
 
I think its there for good. A Vickers pillbox and a further type 24 are both fenced off close to the M4 Junction 11 alterations taking place currently.
The type 24 is on the left of the A33 close to the contractors portacabins and nerve centre for these operations just before the Three Mile Cross roundabout [surrounded by brambles and metal fencing], whilst the VMG pillbox is below the embankment at Great Lea common, seen left as you filter onto the M4 to head Swindon direction.
I believe the plan is to preserve long term as bat roosts, and for people WHO DO appreciate this countrys wartime history.:)
 
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I mustve driven past this plenty of times. It's nice to see that they are all being preserved. They have made a real effort with these ones, shame they couldnt rip off a bit of ivy though.

You must be local then?
 
I 1st saw this driving along Beech Hill Rd where it was visible between a gap between the new houses.
Answer to your question i am never far from anywhere!:lol:
 
Imagine some little chav pulling up outside the estate in his vauxhall nova (no offence if you have a nova) ready to go on the rob. He takes one look at the pillbox and thinks shit the security round here's a bit severe and drives off...lol

I have to agree if they cut the greenery back it would look a lot better. Nice one Eagle
 
In not completley sure, so correct me if im wrong, but a local farmer has several pilboxes in his field, and he told me that they are now all Grade 1 Listed buildings (ie part of our heritage),so thats why its still there possibly.
 
There is also a lot of concrete in them so the cost involved in demolishing can be a lot.:) Shame the same cannot be said for the 6 road blocks which were distroyed by a local farmer round where I live to grace his barns floor.:icon_evil
 
On a similar note I know of a WW2 anti-aircraft position where the "shell hut" as the farmer calls it has a huge amount of damage to one corner of the roof. It got like that because that farmer straightens his tractor buckets on it when they bend out of shape!
 
In not completley sure, so correct me if im wrong, but a local farmer has several pilboxes in his field, and he told me that they are now all Grade 1 Listed buildings (ie part of our heritage),so thats why its still there possibly.

Unfortunately very few are listed buildings. Rather strangely the best way to get them protected is to get them made into bat roosts.
 

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