Gullane Bents, Anti-invasion Defences
Blockhouse (First World War), Trench(S) (First World War)
Site Name Gullane Bents, Anti-invasion Defences
Classification Blockhouse (First World War), Trench(S) (First World War)
Canmore ID 332327
Site Number NT48SE 197
NGR NT 47811 83218
NGR Description From NT 47206 83051 to NT 48339 83472
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/332327
- Council East Lothian
- Parish Dirleton
- Former Region Lothian
- Former District East Lothian
- Former County East Lothian
A map of 1916 on a War Department file (The National Archives WO 78/4396) shows anti-invasion defences built by that date on the dunes NW and north of the village of Gullane, as well as what are marked as proposals for further works.
The defences comprise a series of about ten small firing trenches. There is also a communication trench providing sheltered access from the rear to some of the forward positions at the NW end. The NE part of the town was protected by a length of about 700m of barbed wire fence and entanglement, with a blockhouse at NT 4781 8321. Two of the ten firing positions lay behind and to the east of the barbed wire. A proposed new trench is marked at the eastern end.
Additionally a T-shaped trench close to the town is marked as 'Instruction trench not suited for defence'.
Information from HS/RCAHMS World War One Audit Project (GJB) 9 September 2013.
Project (March 2013 - September 2013)
A project to characterise the quantity and quality of the Scottish resource of known surviving remains of the First World War. Carried out in partnership between Historic Scotland and RCAHMS.
