Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

Second World War concrete road block buoys / tank trap, a pair of buoys positioned on the highway verge at the small holding entrance to Little Westwood on the west side along Thong Lane

Monument Types

• ANTI TANK BUOY (Modern - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

Second World War concrete road block buoys / tank trap, a pair of buoys positioned on the highway verge at the small holding entrance to Little Westwood on the west side along Thong Lane. Located either side in an entrance gap cut into the earth and hedge bank, the buoys are used as a gateway and path marker for private access. The monument has group association with the World War II road block along Thong Lane. Together they potentially formed a road blockade along the highway. The monument has group association with the World War I Homes for Heroes scheme houses. The property known as Little Westwood is a genuine, largely unaltered WWI home for heroes owned by Kent County Council and named after the original farm along Thong Lane; where a WWII airfield was constructed. West Wood farm originally named due to the presence of West Wood in Chalk parish.

Owner: Kent County Council
Publicly accessible: Yes

How accessed for survey: The property on which the buoys are situated is private but they can be seen and accessed from along the public highway verge.

Tourism potential: Yes, especially educational teaching for school children and for regular local history walks in the area.

Condition: Very good, unaltered.

Date of visit: 12 February 2022
Sources: Verbal communication (also 1,2)

<1> Clive Emson, 2022, Little West Wood Maidstone (Website). SKE54779.

<2> Google Earth, 2012 imagery (Graphic material). SWX15704.

Sources and further reading