Summary
An anti-aircraft pillbox comprising an irregular-shaped hexagon pillbox and three octagonal cells which would have supported a light anti-aircraft battery, probably constructed in the early 1940s.
Reasons for Designation
The anti-aircraft pillbox at Sinfin, Derby is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
History
Many thousands of pillboxes were constructed in the early stages of the Second World War and were generally placed at strategic locations, as defensive strong points to counter or delay the advance of an enemy force. It is estimated that some 28,000 pillboxes of various designs were built during the war, of which 6,500 are known to survive. Pillboxes were built to standard designs, but there were also variants designed to fulfil specific requirements in particular locations. The Sinfin pillbox is believed to have been built in the early 1940s, in a location close to key industrial locations to the south of Derby city centre. The site it occupies in the Sinfin Central Business Park was formerly in the middle of the Sinfin Ordnance Factory, and nearby were the Litchurch Lane Engine Works and the Rolls-Royce factory, together with the extensive railway infrastructure in and around Derby Station. The pillbox is thought to be a variant of the Type 24 pillbox, which incorporated 3 octagonal light anti-aircraft wells to the rear of an irregular hexagonally-shaped pillbox. The ordnance factory closed in the early 1970s, to be replaced by the present business park facilities, amongst which the pillbox now stands, partially concealed by overburden and vegetation. The entrance to the pillbox has been blocked up, and the gun embrasures have been covered. At the time of the site inspection, there was no evidence of development on or near the site.
Details
A Second World War pillbox, probably built in the early 1940s, believed to be a very rare variant of a Type 24 pillbox which incorporates three octagonal light wells which would have supported an anti-aircraft battery.
End of official list entry
