Lining the S bank of the River Colne immediately W of New Bridge and following a curved length for approximately 33 yards is a c.6 foot wide concrete wall. It is approximately 3’ high and its top is level with the meadow behind.

Set into the top are the cut-off ends of anti-tank rails which probably projected vertically or angled towards the river – possibly 3 or 4 feet high. They number 42+, in two rows, although the wall is now partly grass covered and there may be significantly more than this. The rails would have been originally cut from lengths of RSJ or railway line.

Two photos of site.<1>

SITE ASSESSMENT: Remains of anti-tank rails are rare in Essex. Along the Eastern Command Line four sites have been recorded (SMR 10939/MCC5104, 10946/MCC5108, 10952/MCC5112 and 10968/MCC5007) including those extant at Lexden Bridge (SMR 10939/MCC5104).

See also <2>.