A very brief trip to Odiham June 2013

Well that was an interesting trip out tonight.  Straight after work, get changed and already to be off to catch a few pillboxes in the area surrounding Greywell, North Warnborough and Odiham.  I had initially marked up seven pillboxes and a grouping of AT pimples in this area which continued the march along the GHQ line.  

I had partial success despite the light levels dropping towards the end of the walk. Late evening sunlight throws such interesting shadows and a creamy glow to proceedings and i love this time of day for photography.  

I succeeded in getting to four out of the seven pillboxes.  Others will need permission to get to, as they are directly on two farms and in the courtyards.  The Pimples in Forge Farm and the rather intriguing pillbox which is build into a barn in Hoorley Farm.  At Hoorley Farm i did knock on the door to the farmhouse but i think they either mistook me for a loon, a Jehovah Witness (meh), or just hid behind the sofa.  This pillbox throws up some interesting questions as it looked like a loophole was sat high in the crook of the roof but this will need further investigation. (fingers crossed).

I had a hugely embarrassing fail on the car though as i ran out of petrol at the traffic lights and managed to get the car started and revved enough to get it to a lay-by.  Hmmmm, carry on i think.

As a result, i had to walk to Odiham from Hook which added another hour onto what would have been a far easier explore.  Saying that though i would have missed out on some wonderful sights had i done so.  Again excuse the scenic photos but the whole ambiance of the countryside fascinates me personally so again forgive me their inclusion in this report. 

Heading out towards the area of Castle Mill House.

For once a lethargic interest in me.  Sod that with horns that size.

Walking down Mill Lane toward North Warnborough.  This is a gorgeous area and i will take a visit out here soon to have a greater look at Odiham Castle.

The Swing Bridge over the Basingstoke Canal.

Why i love this great country.

One of great mystery in this structure which is classed as a pillbox hidden in a barn.  The wood shuttering build indicates it is.  The real mystery is what is inside the barn.  I shall have to be cheeky and ask for permission to view this in greater detail.

PILLBOX (VARIANT): S0011174

Concrete-faced polygonal pillbox - faces West. Pillbox - unclassified. In very good condition. Built onto a cow shed. It is a variation of a type CE 124/41. 

Sat up high on a steep bank on the side of Bidden Road in North Warnborough is this beauty (below).  

PILLBOX (VARIANT): S0011175

Walnut Tree Cottage, on the outskirts of North Warnborough. Concrete-faced polygonal pillbox - faces South. Pillbox - unclassified. Variation of a type CE 124/41. Frames for Turnbull mounting in place.

Recessed 

PILLBOX (VARIANT): S0011186

Firs Lane 

Pillbox - unclassified. Octagonal. Elliptical concrete shelving on each wall. Polygonal brick-shuttered pillbox [no specification] - faces West.

Exposed rebar and with the brick shuttering falling away, the pillbox has a grass camouflaged roof and has it's original chicken wire mesh still in place.  Walking on the field side when approaching this pillbox, this was the first view i had.  Upon investigation there are four loopholes, and with it sat into a bank by the side of the lane and field, the loophole below is set very low to the ground.

Part of the tangle of chicken wire.

One of the loophole shutters hinges still in place.

Part of the blast wall has fallen away.

The elliptical shelving. It was pretty cramped inside.  The AR Wall was square.

Back out on my wanderings.

Never one to pass up on a church....

St Mary : The Street, Greywell, Hants, Set back from the road behind the lychgate - close to the river

PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/22)

Classed as a Type 22 on the DoB, i would be to differ. At best a Type 24 Variant with three loopholes facing down Nately Road in a South Westerly direction of fire. There is a fourth Loophole on the property side which faces in towards Manor Farm.  This was behind a closed and intercom controlled gate so when in the area i wish to expand on this and view the rear of the pillbox if possible.  Another pillbox of great interest to me.

Possibly original chicken wire but not too sure.



A view of the side loophole.







A view of the roadside non loophole wall.  Note the way it steps out and back in again.

At the corner of the footpath leading to the church is a good half-timber house, probably of 16th or even 15th-century date. It is of an L-shaped plan, the short projecting wing having an overhanging upper story and gable with plain curved angle brackets.

Finally the walk back to the car to be rescued with a dash of petrol!!

Thanks for reading the report.