Hidden Teesside

The man who effectively created Saltburn, after having a prophetic vision of it on the cliff.

By Hilary Cartmel

Kirkleatham was surrounded by defensive positions during the second world war, this ornamental tower from the now demolished Kirkleatham Hall was converted into a gun emplacement as part of the ring of nine pillboxes, four roadblocks, three anti-craft guns, minefields and three miles of anti-tank ditches.

Railway sleepers can be seen at a few points on the approach to South Gare, although they become much clearer after the gates next to the Coastal Battery, where the cars are not allowed.

Several pictures of the Sail Bogies in use can be found here

Sited at the entrance to Coatham Marsh. By Andy McKeown, along with the gates before you get there.

Impressive row of undamaged cubes blocking a gap which now sits in the hinterland between the Coatham Marsh and Corus site.

Very prominent gun emplacement on the approach to the light house at South Gare.

I’m not sure where I got the info, but I believe the only aircraft it ever shot down was a “friendly-fire” incident involving a Canadian aircraft

This is one if the most obvious pillboxes in the area, sat in the middle of the beach and at high tides in the water.

As of January 2007 its virtually submerged in sand, last year it was completely uncovered and actually tipped over the other way, see this pic on Freds Photos.

I’m sure it will become uncovered again, its a real display of natural forces at work seeing this thing constantly change.

Nothing much left other that a series of holes now visible in the sea wall, opposite the pilots house.

There is a suggestion of an entrance from above in the concrete

A row of anti-tank cubes, still in place next the old Turners Buses depot.

A fantastic building hidden away in the woods, an 1870 fan house to draw fresh air through the mines.

Named “SS Castle” due to the wall ties. The layers of grafitti suggest its been a popular haunt for the junior drinkers of Eston and Lazenby for many years.

Pillbox sits within the loop-holed walls of Paddys Hole and commands an excellent view of the river mouth.

I really need to get a closer look inside this one if possible

S number relates to ADS reference ID on Defence of Britain database

This pillbox is gradually becoming filled with sand from the dunes and will become covered over, but its still accessible due the top entrance. The remains of a small brick building stand a few metres to the south.

S number relates to ADS reference ID on Defence of Britain database

The pillbox differs from the others due to its partial brick cladding.

Theres also a very large entrance with metal posts and some large concrete blocks adjacent.

S number relates to ADS reference ID on Defence of Britain database

An unusual long pillbox with an entrance and blast wall at either end, very close to the modern Corus blast furnace.

S number relates to ADS reference ID on Defence of Britain database

Much of this is now engulfed by the sand dunes, its hard to see where the entrance was or exactly what purpose it served, the roof has also collapsed in on itself and there are a few mangled pieces of metal visible

S number relates to ADS reference ID on Defence of Britain database

The Pillbox on Bran Sands has fallen onto the beach due to erosion.

DoB database says this as a type 23 pillbox, but I think thats incorrect. A type 23 should have the access via a hole in the roof.

S number relates to ADS reference ID on Defence of Britain database