The construction of Stop Line green commenced during the summer of 1940 as part of the country’s response to the imminent threat of German invasion, it was one of many such lines built across the UK. Stretching some 100 miles in a semi circle from Highbridge on the Bristol Channel to Upper Fromilode on the River Severn, it was also known as the Bristol Outer Defences. The route of the line had been selected as the result of an in depth military reconnaissance in June 1940. Running directly through Chippenham the defensive positions of Stop Line Green were built on the western banks of the River Avon, some can still be seen today, at least one has been demolished since the war to make way for development. In addition to the pill boxes the defences would have included road blocks around the town at strategic points. There are five pill boxes still extant within Chippenham, three in the Monkton Park area and two to the south of the town, one behind At Andrew’s Hospital and Rowden Manor respectively. All of these are of the Type 22 construction. This short piece is only a brief overview of the defences built around Chippenham during 1940 it is my intention to produce a more detailed article for the website in the future. Please bear in mind that some of these structures are built on private land and therefore permission should be sought from the land owner before visiting. It should also be remembered that these structures were built in great haste and have not been maintained for the last 70 years and are gradually falling into a state of disrepair. Therefore it would be unwise to enter or climb on the structures. Source: Stop Line Green - Major Green
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