Scheduled MonumentsWalesFairbourne Anti-invasion Defences
Modern · Anti Invasion Defence Site

Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences

Meirionnydd, Wales
Cadw SAM ME252
Period
Modern
Site type
Anti Invasion Defence Site
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences is a Second World War coastal defence installation located in Meirionnydd, Wales, constructed as part of Britain's wider defensive preparations against potential German invasion. The site comprises surviving remains of anti-tank obstacles, pillboxes, and other fortifications typical of the Home Defence programme implemented following the fall of France in 1940. These structures, distributed across the beach and hinterland at Fairbourne, reflect the strategic importance placed on defending the Welsh coast during the critical period of 1940 to 1944. The defences are designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument under the reference ME252, recognising their significance as evidence of wartime military engineering and civilian defence preparations.

Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME252. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences?

Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences is a Second World War coastal defence installation located in Meirionnydd, Wales, constructed as part of Britain's wider defensive preparations against potential German invasion. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME252.

What period does Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences date from?

Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences dates from the modern period, and is classified as a anti invasion defence site. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences?

Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is ME252.

What other scheduled monuments are near Fairbourne Anti-invasion Defences?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Allt Lwyd Cairn II (4.4 km), Corn Drying Kiln Near Carn-Gadell Uchaf (4.5 km), Allt Lwyd Cairn I (4.5 km).

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