NAPTON TO PRIORS HARDWICK WAR WALK, PILLBOX STUDY GROUP

NAPTON TO PRIORS HARDWICK WARWALK

ALAN ORTON

Myself and two friends deceided to investigate the the canal between Napton and Priors Hardwick which formed part of the Oxford Canal Stop Stop Line.

Debussing at Napton we headed for the towpath at Bridge 113 and headed South to Bridge 114 at Chapel Green and here on the west side of the canal we found two octagonal Anti-Tank Blocks side by side and both in good condition one still had a surviving wooden segment.

NGR S0 001729.

Travelling on to Lock no.10 Chapel Green we found a Stent Pillbox on the eastern side of the canal but access was easy by crossing over the lock gate. The locks here are very narrow and it would be very easy to jump over.

The pillbox although bricked up was in reasonable condition (NGR S0 001732)

The weather conditions were overcast from the start and with a keen wind in our faces we now moved on.

Before we reached Bridge 126 on the east bank we found the 3rd Stent Pillbox near to Bridge 122 which appears to be slowly slipping into the canal but apart from this it seems to be in good condition.

S0001730 and so passing Bridge 126 we found the last Pillbox this time on the west bank so access was easy though it was well hidden in the undergrowth and covered in ivy. NGR S0 001722.

So ended our search and we happily headed off to the local pub at Priors Hardwick for a well earned drink but had the misfortune of somehow taking the wrong turning (my dad took the wrong turning in the desert in 1941 and became a P.O.W. so I appear to be upholding a family tradition!) but we quickly righted ourselves and arrived safe and sound.

ALAN ORTON