Hi,
In Buckinghamshire we have small-scale 'demonstration trenches' on Whiteleaf
Hill on the Chiltern scarp and 'practice trenches' in a wood (formerly open
ground) near Marlow. Both survive as legible earthworks and are documented
by recent survey, although the former were damaged by tree-throw in the
1990s. Can supply further info if helpful. There are also some cropmarks
interpreted as possible practice trench systems.
Regards
Sandy Kidd
County Archaeologist
Planning & Environment
Buckinghamshire County Council
tel: 01296-382927
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/content/index.jsp?contentid=-1290260767
-----Original Message-----
From: Issues related to Historic Environment Records
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Chris Wardle
Sent: Monday 15 September 2008 16:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: World War 1 trenches
Peter,
I know of similar training trenches both on Cannock Chase, Staffs. where and
on the moors above Sheffield. Both are associated with large training
establishments which started with rifle ranges in the aftermath of the Boer
Wars, but which grew greatly in size in the winter of 1914-5, when it was
clear that WWI would not be 'all over by Christmas'.
Doubtless there are others.
Chris
>>> "Iles, Peter" <[log in to unmask]> 15/09/2008 16:06 >>>
Dear All,
Recently we have been able to tie up a cropmark site near Blackpool Airport
with a 'visitor education site' (if that is the right term) that operated
during the First World War called 'The Loos Trenches'. This was a system of
military trenches originally laid out for training purposes, but kept open
and maintained by the staff and patients at a nearby military convalescent
hospital, to show both residents and visitors to the town something of the
new trench warfare. A series of contemporary postcards show the site
(http://www.rossallbeach.co.uk/loostrenchesww1p.htm) and we also have a
contemporary guidebook.
The site is now a small recreation ground, and buried remains of the trench
system are likely to survive. It has quite some potential for interpretation
on a variety of scales.
Is anyone aware of any similar sites across the UK? Clearly the 'real thing'
can still be visited on the continent, and some sets of practice trenches
have been identified elsewhere in the country, but were there any others that
were used like these?
Any pointers would be gratefully received on or off list.
Peter D Iles
Specialist Advisor (Archaeology)
Lancashire County Council Environment Directorate
PO Box 9
Guild House
Cross Street
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 8RD
t. 01772 531550
f. 01772 533423
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