1997: On the S. side of the R.Colne, just a few yards E. of Middle Mill bridge, are four concrete anti-tank blocks. They stand on the grass, in a rough area some 25 yards from one end to the other, running parallel to the river. Each of the blocks is 5' square, the minimum height is 2' and the maximum is 3' 6". On two sides of each of them, except the N side of the block nearest to the bridge, the remains of thick steel cables can be seen. Clearly, the blocks were anchorage points for a continuous anti-tank barrier. The cables, at two heights with the higher one at waist level, would have been stretched tight between the blocks as they set. An aerial photograph taken in 1946 shows that the river, now a wide pool at this point, was heavily silted up at that time and tanks may have been able to cross it. To prevent this, the anti-tank barrier was erected from the corner of a building, which stood by the bridge, along the top of the bank as it then was, eastwards.<1>

Seven photos of site.<2>

2007: SITE ASSESSMENT:
Anti-tank blocks, built in their hundreds of thousands during World War Two, are now becoming surprisingly rare in Essex. This is particularly true of those which were linked by steel cable to provide a lengthy barrier without the need for blocks every few yards. Very few of these survive in the county; all others comprise a single block with the remains of rotted cable.

The configuration is therefore unique in Essex. In its own right, this relic from the 20th century conflict should be statutorily protected as a scheduled monument. Given the importance of Colchester during World War Two, the preservation and interpretation of this site with an appropriate information board would provide a fine complement to the more ancient history and heritage of the Borough.

See also <3>.