The London Mobilisation Centres : Gazeteer
Alec Beanse and Roger Gill
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!
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.
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.
More details on Woldingham Centre
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.
More details of Betchworth Centre
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.
More details of Box Hill Centre
DENBIES TQ156511
Demolished, nothing remains. Bungalow called "The Forts" built on site.
PEWLEY HILL TQ003492
Rampart cut back, mostly built upon, one section of ditch, one magazine and one casemate block survive, all are private property. Cottages demolished.
More details on Pewley Hill Centre
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
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