Latest news with #GreatWar
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Eight World War One pillboxes are Grade II listed
A rare semi-circular bunker-like structure is among eight World War One pillboxes in Norfolk that have been granted Grade II listed status. The concrete buildings were built in Norfolk between 1916 and 1918, designed to protect a stretch of English coast from a potential German sea invasion, including the semi-circular one at Bacton Wood. They still have their original steel doors, gun loop shutters and white-painted interiors, according to Historic England. Its East of England regional director Tony Calladine said they were "a reminder of a time when determined communities prepared to defend Britain during the Great War". Listed buildings are buildings of special architectural or historic interest with legal protection. All but one of the newly-listed pillboxes are in the North Walsham area and they are: Two defending the Common Road and Bradfield Beck crossing point at Bradfield Common A rare semi-circular pillbox at Bacton Wood, guarding a canal bridge Two circular pillboxes at White Horse Common at the Edbridge Mill crossing Two either side of Bacton Road, Little London, defending the canal bridge The final pillbox is another circular one at Wayford Bridge, near Stalham. The pillboxes were positioned along the River Ant and the North Walsham & Dilham Canal - waterways that could provided further defence in The Broads. They are all slightly inland and were part of a network of pillboxes which were designed to "provide a barrier to invading enemy troops", said Mr Calladine. Pillboxes were generally camouflaged against the landscape to hide the occupants from enemy view. Most were installed with small holes in the walls called loopholes where weapons could be fired from. The first pillboxes were built by the German army on the Western Front, but as the threat of invasion increased in Britain, they began appearing along the east coast of. "The listing of these pillboxes recognises their historic significance and exceptional durability," Mr Calladine added. Historic England hopes people will add their photographs and drawings of the pillboxes and share their stories to its Missing Pieces Project. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story D-Day training pillbox converted into home for bats Former helter-skelter among new listed buildings Storms unearth sand-filled World War Two pillbox World War Two defences emerge from UK beach Related internet links Historic England
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
World War One pillboxes in Norfolk listed by Historic England
A rare semi-circular bunker-like structure is among eight World War One pillboxes in Norfolk that have been granted Grade II listed concrete buildings were built in Norfolk between 1916 and 1918, designed to protect a stretch of English coast from a potential German sea invasion, including the semi-circular one at Bacton still have their original steel doors, gun loop shutters and white-painted interiors, according to Historic East of England regional director Tony Calladine said they were "a reminder of a time when determined communities prepared to defend Britain during the Great War". Listed buildings are buildings of special architectural or historic interest with legal but one of the newly-listed pillboxes are in the North Walsham area and they are: Two defending the Common Road and Bradfield Beck crossing point at Bradfield CommonA rare semi-circular pillbox at Bacton Wood, guarding a canal bridgeTwo circular pillboxes at White Horse Common at the Edbridge Mill crossingTwo either side of Bacton Road, Little London, defending the canal bridgeThe final pillbox is another circular one at Wayford Bridge, near pillboxes were positioned along the River Ant and the North Walsham & Dilham Canal - waterways that could provided further defence in The Broads. They are all slightly inland and were part of a network of pillboxes which were designed to "provide a barrier to invading enemy troops", said Mr Calladine. Pillboxes were generally camouflaged against the landscape to hide the occupants from enemy were installed with small holes in the walls called loopholes where weapons could be fired first pillboxes were built by the German army on the Western Front, but as the threat of invasion increased in Britain, they began appearing along the east coast of."The listing of these pillboxes recognises their historic significance and exceptional durability," Mr Calladine added. Historic England hopes people will add their photographs and drawings of the pillboxes and share their stories to its Missing Pieces Project. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
That Reminds Me: R.E. Porter's visit to Milford Docks
And being a Milfordian, most of these flashbacks are concentrated on my home town's history. Today's offering is about people. Well-known names from Milford's wonderful old fishland days, and comes from an article originally written in The Fish Traders Gazette of October 1938 by R.E. Porter who'd visited the town and, under the heading of "MEN WHO MADE MILFORD HAVEN" wrote this about the docks and fishing fraternity. I found it an interesting insight into some of the people whose names I recognised, but never knew. Here's how R.E. Porter described his visit: "What memories I carried away from Milford. You have to spend an evening in the Merchants' Club, or the Lord Nelson, or preferably both, and Milford, and its men, and its history, are unfolded to you bit by bit in the most clubbable, the most friendly atmosphere. And Mine Host of the Nelson, who looks like an all-in wrestler and talks like Stentor himself, can show you relics of Nelson days, hold you spell bound with a song, and converse on almost anything. "FIRST, 74 year old Thomas Jenkerson, non-smoker, teetotaller, is one of the most remarkable men who have helped to produce Milford. The Sybil (Image: Jeff Dunn) "Before you enter his office you are confronted with notices galore concerning all sorts of matters from the handling of carbide of of calcium, to the Milford Haven Fishing Industry Hospital Fund. "And TJ's personality immediately impresses itself upon you and makes you feel as if you have none. "When he recalls the yesteryears he unfolds a thrilling trade romance, but it is because of his modesty you have to get the facts about himself from someone else. "It was 50 years ago (1888) that TJ came to the West. He came from Yarmouth with some smacks and his principles; his business acumen and his perseverance were to put him among the Milford leaders. "Today he is chairman of the Ice Co., chairman of the Trawler Supply Stores, and chairman of the Milford Haven Engineering and Ship Repairing Co., as well as being chief of the firm that bears his name. TJ remembers the 'Sybil' steaming into the newly constructed docks in 1888, remembers fondly, too, the 7 smacks he owned before the war. Then he changed to steam and his fleet of 16 today is among the most modern afloat, every boat Marconi equipped with wireless, automatic depth finders, direction finders and so forth. "TJ can let you have it straight from the shoulder when he feels that way, but ask his staff about him. "They say he's the best boss going. And, is punctuality one of his strong points? I should say it is. He is in the office at 7:30am every morning and rarely leaves before 5 in the afternoon. When he used to live at a house named 'Marble Hall,' he was nicknamed locally as 'The Marble Hall Clock' because people could set their clocks by his regular departure. "They still talk in Milford of the fortunes that have been won and lost there, especially the fortunes won and lost by the Belgian skippers in the Great War, when "bubbly" flowed like water at the Lord Nelson. "Such times Horace Fiddy recalled, using the word 'paralytic' more than somewhat. Horace is a partner in the firm John Pettit. I openly doubted his word when he told me he was a grandfather, for he looked a mere 40. "Across an outsize table in his office he told me about Milford pioneer John Pettit, who died four year's last May (1934) and deprived the port, and the fishing industry of a precious character. Yet John Pettit, one of the original Barking Creek men, was self educated. He ran away from home to go to the into the fishing industry, and he left it the richer. Horace Fiddy (Fiddy is an East Coast name) talks little about himself, but I gathered he'd been in Milford for 33 years. He started when he was 15. That gives his age away. But what a young grandfather, anyway. "I had to tip-toe to shake hands with James C. Ward, 6' 3" general manager of the Milford Haven Docks Co.. notable son of a notable father, James represents the spirit of youth, the spirit of enterprise, and though I am bound not to give any secrets away, I can say that he is hot on the tracks of a scheme or two calculated benefit Milford Haven. In short, James is upholding the honoured traditions of the Dock Co. For hobbies he sails, hunts and takes affectionate interest in his two quite valuable Australian terriers which are worth more than I am!" The days of the smacks (Image: Jeff Dunn) I'll probably return to R.E. Porter's docks memories at a later date, and there were a few ads in the Fish Traders Gazette which enthralled me: "New Season's Hungarian Chickens. Packed 12 in a box.1-3lbs." For some reason it reminded me of Manuel's "Siberian hamster" in Fawlty Towers! Another ad which intrigued my warped mind was: "Reg. Cook, The Frier's Merchant, Skate and Dogs a speciality." Here are two pics relating to Thomas Jenkerson's memories, the Sybil, the first trawler to enter the new docks, and one from the days of the smacks. That's me done for this week. Here's a few words of wisdom from Helen Keller: "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Take care, please stay safe.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
'Chernobyl' ghost town in Scotland FINALLY demolished after years of crime and drugs
The Clune Estate in Port Glasgow, which has been likened to a post-apocalyptic film, is finally being flattened after years of neglect and social decline It has long been compared to something from an apocalyptic movie - a decaying ghost town plagued by drugs, blazes and criminality - but now the infamous Clune Estate in Port Glasgow is finally being torn down. Demolition teams have started the painstaking and cautious job of knocking down what remains of the formerly thriving housing development, with labourers wearing protective gloves and reinforced boots to shield themselves from shattered glass and abandoned syringes scattered across the area. The development, nicknamed the "Scottish Chernobyl" due to its resemblance to the deserted Ukrainian settlement near the nuclear catastrophe site, had fallen into decay following years of abandonment and social deterioration. What had previously been a flourishing neighbourhood became a desolate wasteland. In its prime, the Clune Estate was a lively centre, housing dockyard employees from the neighbouring Lithgow facility, reports the Express. Constructed following the Great War, the development boasted its own educational facility, place of worship, retail outlets and civic hall. Youngsters cycled through the streets during twilight hours and residents felt secure. However, when shipbuilding industry crumbled during the 1990s, the neighbourhood fell apart. House values crashed, inhabitants departed, and property owners arrived to accommodate benefit recipients via local authority programmes. Gradually, the estate fell into disorder, experiencing 14 blazes within merely eight months during its darkest period. Substance misuse, destruction and lawlessness became so widespread that remaining families escaped. From 480 homes, merely five residents remained as of this year. Most were eager to escape, with those who remained holding onto memories of happier times. During a visit by MailOnline this week, bulldozers were seen actively demolishing the remnants of flats. A construction worker revealed his constant apprehension about what they might find hidden in the rubble - particularly needles concealed within the debris. He pointed out the "stubborn" bricks that had resisted demolition. The surrounding ruins of shops and offices, now charred and empty, narrated a tale of years of arson attacks. The local church, school and community centre had all been set alight after their closure. Later, thieves stripped the buildings of lead and copper piping. Now, the council has earmarked the land for new housing as part of a significant regeneration initiative. Plans for reconstruction had been suggested as early as 2007, but until now, little headway had been made. One of the area's most prominent landlords, David Hay Smith, confirmed that a proposal to enhance the estate was put forward more than fourteen years ago - a plan to foster a safer, more optimistic community. It's a vision that may finally come to fruition, as the ghosts of Clune Estate are finally being put to rest.
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First Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: When Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia began World War I
World War I began on July 28, 1914, after Austria and Hungary declared war on Serbia. This came just a month after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were killed by Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo. On this day in 2005, the Irish Republican Army formally announced the end of its decades-long armed campaign read more On July 28, 1914, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary signed the declaration of war, effectively launching the Great War. Wikimedia Commons World War I, one of the most defining events of the 20th century, began on July 28, 1914, with Austria and Hungary declared war on Serbia. This was a direct response to the killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife by a Serbian nationalist. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 2005, the Irish Republican Army, popularly known as the IRA, announced a formal end to its armed campaign. This marked a monumental step towards lasting peace in Northern Ireland. In 1932, the first zombie movie, White Zombie, was released. Here is all that happened on this day. World War I began Just a month after the killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914. The assassin, Gavrilo Princip, was a Bosnian Serb nationalist with ties to Serbian secret societies, leading Austria-Hungary to hold Serbia directly responsible. This was what led to World War I, also known as the Great War. By the end of 1914, major powers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond were involved. Wikimedia Commons On July 28, 1914, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary signed the declaration of war, effectively launching the Great War. Within days, Europe's major powers were drawn in. Russia, allied with Serbia, began mobilising against Austria-Hungary. Germany then declared war on Russia on August 1 and France on August 3. It also invaded Belgium. That act triggered Britain's entry into the war on August 4, due to its treaty obligations to protect Belgian neutrality. What could have been a localised conflict spiralled into a global war due to a complex web of alliances, rising nationalism, militarism, and imperial competition. By the end of 1914, major powers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond were involved. The war, which introduced new technologies like machine guns, tanks and poison gas, killed over 16 million people. IRA announced the end of its armed campaign The Irish Republican Army (IRA) formally announced the end of its decades-long armed campaign on July 28, 2005, marking a monumental step towards lasting peace in Northern Ireland. The IRA, a paramilitary organisation, had fought since the late 1960s for Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom and unite with the Republic of Ireland. Its campaign involved bombings, assassinations, and armed attacks, resulting in thousands of deaths. The British government and unionist forces opposed the IRA's goal, leading to a brutal and deeply divisive conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the years leading up to 2005, peace efforts had gained ground. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 was a major step, establishing a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland and calling for the disarmament of paramilitary groups. While some IRA activity continued post-agreement, pressure mounted from political allies like Sinn Féin, the public, and international mediators to shift to peaceful means. In a recorded statement broadcast on July 28, the IRA said it would 'end the armed campaign' and pursue its objectives 'exclusively through peaceful political means.' The group also committed to decommissioning its weapons and cooperating with independent arms inspectors, a critical gesture for trust-building. The first zombie movie was released The first full-length zombie film, White Zombie, was released on this day in 1932. Directed by Victor Halperin, this black-and-white horror classic introduced the concept of the zombie to cinema. Set in Haiti, White Zombie tells the story of a young woman, Madeleine, who is turned into a zombie by a voodoo master named Murder Legendre, played chillingly by Lugosi. Using traditional Haitian folklore rather than modern viral infection tropes, the film portrays zombies as mindless slaves controlled through black magic rather than reanimated corpses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A scene from the White Zombie movie which released in 1932. Wikimedia Commons Though it was a low-budget production, White Zombie made a significant impact. Its eerie atmosphere, haunting score, and Lugosi's mesmerising performance helped it stand out in the early days of horror cinema. While critics at the time gave mixed reviews, the film eventually gained a cult following and is now considered a landmark in horror history. This Day, That Year On this day in 1976, an earthquake in China's Tangshan killed more than 240,000 people. In 1821, Peru declared its independence from Spain. King Henry VIII of England privately married his fifth wife, Catherine Howard, on this day in 1540.
