Scheduled MonumentsWalesMay Hill Pillboxes
Modern · Pillbox

May Hill Pillboxes

Wales
Cadw SAM MM348
Period
Modern
Site type
Pillbox
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

May Hill Pillboxes are a Second World War defensive structure located in Wales, forming part of the extensive network of anti-invasion fortifications constructed following the threat of German invasion in 1940. The pillboxes represent the standard reinforced concrete Type 22 design, characteristic of emergency defence works built rapidly across the British coastline and vulnerable inland positions during the critical period of 1940 to 1941. Their location on May Hill reflects the strategic importance placed on controlling approaches to south Wales during the early war years, when pillboxes formed the primary means of anti-tank and anti-personnel defence for Local Defence Volunteers and regular troops. The structure survives as physical evidence of civilian and military preparedness during Britain's most vulnerable period, and has been designated a scheduled monument recognising its historical and archaeological significance.

May Hill Pillboxes is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM348. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is May Hill Pillboxes?

May Hill Pillboxes are a Second World War defensive structure located in Wales, forming part of the extensive network of anti-invasion fortifications constructed following the threat of German invasion in 1940. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM348.

What period does May Hill Pillboxes date from?

May Hill Pillboxes dates from the modern period, and is classified as a pillbox. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting May Hill Pillboxes?

May Hill Pillboxes 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 MM348.

What other scheduled monuments are near May Hill Pillboxes?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Trellech Cross Cross-Base (8.7 km), Offa's Dyke: section in Mocking Hazell Wood, 400m south of Lindors Farm (9 km), Gaer 594m SW of Trellech Cross (9.1 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around May Hill Pillboxes