World War II Gun Emplacement At Holt Fleet

The World War II gun emplacement at Holt Fleet was built in 1940-1941 as part of the Severn Stop Line, a defensive system designed to protect the River Severn and the industrial centres of the Midlands. The emplacement is constructed of reinforced concrete and red brick. It has a hexagonal plan, comprising a low concrete wall clad in red brick with a concrete coping along the top. The northern three sides of the hexagon feature blind brick walls, while the southern three sides are open, with narrow concrete piers supporting a flat brick roof. Inside, a sunken floor contains a central concrete mounting for a six-pounder Hotchkiss gun. Further defences in the vicinity of Holt Bridge included a three-barrel flame fougasse, a trench, and vertical anti-tank road blocks, evidence of which has recently been uncovered beneath the modern tarmac on the north end of the bridge. The emplacement is designated at Grade II for its historic interest as an intact defence from World War II, and for its group value relating to the Grade II listed Holt Bridge, which retains evidence of former anti-tank road blocks.