World War I practice trenches (Rochester and Byrness)
Aerial view of World War I practice trenches on the Otterburn Ranges. Photo © Tim Gates.
Possibly unique network of military trenches at NT 837 027. Trenches were dug on land acquired by the War Office in 1912 and used for training purposes during World War I. Now partially silted up, but still more than 2m deep in places. Retain original dog-leg and diamond shape. (1)
Probably the best preserved monuments of their type in the country. (2)
Scheduled. (3)
Limited excavations have taken place across the practice trenches reported elsewhere. Relaying of turf over portions of the excavated areas has not taken place. This has resulted in areas of exposed earth, in places being eroded. (4)
A series of five trenches were undertaken by the archaeology group No-Man's Land of parts of the practice trenches at Silloans for Defence Estates. These trenches were designed to see how well constructed, and to what use, the trenches were, with the trenches being undertaken at various points of the earthworks. The excavations revealed that the trenches had been well-constructed with revetments and duckboards, as well as with created firesteps, drainage channels and seating not visible in the earthwork profiles of the existing trenches. In places the trenches and the wooden materials survived in a good condition, though elsewhere later disturbance had removed and damaged revetments and the original profiles. A series of shrapnel finds from artillery shells suggest that the trenches were excavated to provide gunnery training. (5)
There is a World War I practice trench system within the current Ministry of Defence area, though the trench system was established later than the training area itself (founded in 1911). (6)
Mentioned as an example in 'New Weapons and Technology' section of a Historic England commissioned report on World War One fieldworks. (7)
NT 83490258. Remains of a sector of World War I practice trenches, excavated on land acquired by the War Office in 1912 to form the Redesdale Artillery Range. Their main purpose was to train infantry companies in the routine of defence, control of overhead artillery fire and relief in the line during World War I. The plan of the trenches includes a front line fire trench, a support, or reserve, line and associated communications trenches. Scheduled. (8a)
Very clear on lidar imagery. (9)
Probably the best preserved monuments of their type in the country. (2)
Scheduled. (3)
Limited excavations have taken place across the practice trenches reported elsewhere. Relaying of turf over portions of the excavated areas has not taken place. This has resulted in areas of exposed earth, in places being eroded. (4)
A series of five trenches were undertaken by the archaeology group No-Man's Land of parts of the practice trenches at Silloans for Defence Estates. These trenches were designed to see how well constructed, and to what use, the trenches were, with the trenches being undertaken at various points of the earthworks. The excavations revealed that the trenches had been well-constructed with revetments and duckboards, as well as with created firesteps, drainage channels and seating not visible in the earthwork profiles of the existing trenches. In places the trenches and the wooden materials survived in a good condition, though elsewhere later disturbance had removed and damaged revetments and the original profiles. A series of shrapnel finds from artillery shells suggest that the trenches were excavated to provide gunnery training. (5)
There is a World War I practice trench system within the current Ministry of Defence area, though the trench system was established later than the training area itself (founded in 1911). (6)
Mentioned as an example in 'New Weapons and Technology' section of a Historic England commissioned report on World War One fieldworks. (7)
NT 83490258. Remains of a sector of World War I practice trenches, excavated on land acquired by the War Office in 1912 to form the Redesdale Artillery Range. Their main purpose was to train infantry companies in the routine of defence, control of overhead artillery fire and relief in the line during World War I. The plan of the trenches includes a front line fire trench, a support, or reserve, line and associated communications trenches. Scheduled. (8a)
Very clear on lidar imagery. (9)
N374
20th Century (1901 to 2000)
First World War (1914 to 1918)
First World War (1914 to 1918)
THEMATIC SURVEY, Silloans trenches, Redesdale Camp 2017; White Young Green
Disclaimer -
Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.