GM598

East Orchard Wood Pillbox  

11/02/2008  

Designated  

Vale of Glamorgan  

St. Athan  

302892  

167659  

Defence  

Pillbox  

Post Medieval/Modern  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument consists of a reinforced concrete Type 28 anti-tank pillbox, dating to the early period of World War II (AD 1940-41). The pillbox is located in woodland on a moderate east-facing slope overlooking the Thaw valley. It was sited to protect a vulnerable point where the main road between Barry and Llantwit Major (now the B4265) crossed the river. The pillbox was built to standard War Office Directorate of Fortifications and Works specifications with minor local adaptations. It is rectangular in shape on plan and measures 6.12m in length north-west by south-east by 5.8m transversely and a maximum of 2m in height externally. The walls measure 1.08m in thickness. The large north-east-facing embrasure probably housed a mobile field gun utilised as an anti-tank weapon. Subsequently, the embrasure was modified to house a static six-pounder quick-firing gun. The smaller south-east-facing embrasure was for use by a light machine gun. The entrance is located on the south-west elevation. A brick shuttered concrete foundation raft is visible on the north-east side. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of World War II anti-invasion practices. The Type 28 pillbox is a rare occurrence in Wales. The monument is very well preserved and retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive.