The London Mobilisation Centres : Gazeteer

Alec Beanse and Roger Gill (with updated information from Nick Dyer 2001)

NOTE: Most of these sites are PRIVATE PROPERTY. Do not turn up and expect to be allowed to wander around, permission should always be sought in advance. Some owners do not welcome casual visitors!

plan of London Mobilsation Centres

Mobilisation Centres

NORTH WEALD REDOUBT TL505040
Currently owned by a property company, this site had survived largely intact though suffering badly from vandalism and flooding of late. Two Allen-Williams Turrets added WW II. Can be accessed via large holes in fence. Allegedly due to be restored in the foreseeable future.

Download a Data sheet on North Weald Redoubt PDF

 

FARNINGHAM TQ533669
Largely intact though tunnels now blocked and ditch infilled. Owned by a farmer who rents it to a stunt driver for storing and servicing his vehicles. Cottages lived in, Tool Store used by courier business.

FORT HALSTEAD TQ499592
Repurchased by Ministry of Defence in 1937 for work on anti aircraft rockets and currently within the boundary of DERA Fort Halstead, an MoD research establishment. All magazines and casemates survive though modified in some cases. Location of emplacements can be made out on rampart. Ditch partially infilled and new entrance made in south-west corner. Tool Store and Cottages still exist

WESTERHAM (BETSOM'S HILL) TQ436564
Rear wall largely demolished and rampart cut back. Casemates and magazine extended and used as car workshop. Gorge accommodation converted to semi-detached house. Cottages at entrance to site.

WOLDINGHAM (OXTED) TQ379547
Still exists though former cartridge store now forms basement of chalet bungalow. Shell store used as garage/workshop/shed. Cottages and Tool Store lived in.

FOSTERDOWN (PILGRIM FORT) TQ344534
Was little changed and used by the local Education Authority. Following budget cuts recently sold to unknown buyer. Cottages were used by the warden and Tool Store adapted as dining room for children.

EAST MERSTHAM (ALDERSTEAD FORT) TQ296546 The least altered Tool Store, the centre is unchanged though the magazines are frequently flooded due to a blocked drain. The owner, Mr Scott, is usually willing to allow visitors to look around, he also sells good honey. the site is in the heart of a dense wood and is overgrown. Take care because of a drop off the edge of the casemates if you approach the work through the wood up the slope of the work.

REIGATE TQ257521
Little altered, the National Trust bought it in1932, and have been restoring it over the last five years. The next phase is to open the fort to the public with interpretation boards on site. An information board with plan has been put up outside the main entrance. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2004 meanwhile visits can be arranged by contacting the warden for availability of guided tours. Andy Wright 01342 843225.

BETCHWORTH TQ201515
Casemates converted to a bungalow, vents used as chimneys. Magazines damp, lamp frames/glass intact. Fuze and Tube Locker survives. Site owned by a Mr Nutt who hopes to do some restoration. Cottages lived in.

BOXHILL TQ177514
Owned by National Trust and kept locked, due to occupation by bats. Little changed inside. Cottages used as restaurant and Tool Store as visitor centre. With a little care it is possible to walk around the whole of the perimeter of the work.

DENBIES TQ156511
Demolished, nothing remains. Bungalow called "The Forts" built on site.

PEWLEY HILL TQ003492
Rampart cut back, mostly built upon, sections of ditch, two magazines (possibly a third), two casemate blocks and a caponier survive, all are private property. Cottages demolished.

HENLEY GROVE SU982488
Owned and used by Surrey County Council as a camp for school children. Little changed, magazines due to be restored as educational resource. Casemates used as office and dining room. Cottages and Tool Store lived in.

Mobilisation Stores

WARLEY TQ592920
Former Mobilisation Store, built in the grounds of Warley Barracks, now destroyed.

TILBURY FORT TQ651753
Two existing buildings were adapted and six new ones built for use as a Mobilisation Store. All buildings now demolished except a former Artillery General Store which still exists behind the later Q. F. Gun emplacements.

CATERHAM TQ324565
Built within the confines of Caterham Barracks, some buildings still exist.

Other Sites

WEST MERSTHAM TQ281544
Clearance rights only obtained on 50 acres - nothing constructed here. Intended use unknown. Released when London Defence Scheme abandoned.

More Information on the London Mobilisation Centres

London Mobilisation Centres by Alec Beanse : PFS Publication