Spurn Point � Godwin Battery and Murray's Post � Nov 2013

[Munch]

My first report here so hope you enjoy.

Spurn is already an evocative place by virtue of it's itinerant nature. Add to this WW1 and WW2 remains gradually crumbling into the Sea, or being swallowed in sand, both above and below ground, and you've got a great day's exploring ahead.

This shingle and sand peninsula changes position and shape in a cycle due to tidal forces. The rapid erosion rate on this entire coast is alarming. A fuller explanation of the 'science' of Spurn is given in Jan Crowther's book 'The People along the sand'.

I was in the good company of Rich Cooper, my host and guide for the weekend. Having been here several times before, Rich's knowledge of the area made easy work of locating the various treasures although he was to be twice surprised by finds he'd missed out on previously for one reason or another.

We looked at the whole area from Kilnsea and the Godwin Battery right down the 3 �mile long peninsula which narrows to around 50 yards in places and tenuously separates the Humber from the North Sea.

We visited on the eve of the Armistice which remained in our thoughts throughout the day.

Pillbox �Lozenge e02903

At a bend in Easington Road near Kilnsea and slowly collapsing into the river estuary.

'Murray's' Post �Redoubt or Infantry Post e02355

A garrisoned stronghold and part of the outer landward defences for the Godwin Battery. Included a fighting and communications trench system running due east from the post for 150 yards which looks to have had concrete lined sections. In the post itself, the lower section is flooded some 3 feet deep and the concrete canopy above the firing positions has cracked and fallen or, more accurately, dropped a few feet in places.

Vickers MMG rear pivot mount, WW2 addition

Following the trench back leads to a brick-lined tunnel (at 53.623281�, 0.138533�) giving access to the Battery, sadly completely flooded.

Godwin Battery �e07062 � Coast Artillery Battery, part destroyed

�Important coastal battery, named in honour of Major General Godwin, constructed in 1914 to strengthen the outer defences of the Humber and house two Mk.IV guns on Mk.V mountings. The Battery was protected by a sea wall300yds long around the site to protect from the advancing sea. Behindthis two 9.2�BL guns were mounted in circular concrete pits c100yds apart. Between the guns were the underground magazine, crewshelters and workshops, the magazine roof being 5ft thick.� - Source English Heritage document �Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey, Bempton to DonnaNook

Some images from Jan Crowther's book 'The people along the sand'

Godwin 1917

Murray's Post can be seen NW of the Battery

Blockhouse

South Gun Emplacement

This was once attached to the magazines, workshops and shelters now resting on the beach below

North Gun emplacement

Magazine

You really can't appreciate the scale of this Battery from pics, you need to go there. It's sister Battery, Spurn Fort and two other Batteries will be covered in subsequent threads.

..............................to be continued...................................

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[skeleton key]

A quality in depth Narrative and pics there Munnch

:jump​

Looks like a cracking day was had

beer:

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Thanks for the share

 

[Lara]

Cracking report and pics, really enjoyed that, thanks :jump

 

[Scattergun]

Good first report that mate, very interesting read. Had me researching gun emplacements very quickly lol. Shame to see it being torn apart the wayu it has but I'd rather nature was the culprit rather than some demo team.

 

[Munch]

Good first report that mate, very interesting read. Had me researching gun emplacements very quickly lol. Shame to see it being torn apart the wayu it has but I'd rather nature was the culprit rather than some demo team.

Thanks, Fortunately, unless there was a pressing need, sites like this are left alone. Sea done the job here, it's all falling apart gradually. You need to keep your wits about you in the underground areas too. There are two river forts on the list out here too.

 

[shaddam]

interesting read there, and very nice photos thanks for the share

 

[Stussy]

Thanks for the share, nice report!

 

[Nelly]

Excellent fella, love the history

 

[Scattergun]

Thanks, Fortunately, unless there was a pressing need, sites like this are left alone. Sea done the job here, it's all falling apart gradually. You need to keep your wits about you in the underground areas too. There are two river forts on the list out here too.

Looks pretty precarious indeed! Wouldn't want a tonne of concrete landing on me

 

[Shush]

I once drove down here in my Motorhome, now that was fun, we stayed in the carpark by the light house for the night, my youngest daughter told everyone we were at Sperm head.

Cracking pics Munch, looking forward to your reports

 

[silverainbow]

Interesting stuff, cool set of pics and a really interesting narrative !

!