World War II remains uncovered in Brierley Hill

Dudley Council has been working with the Friends of Marsh Park to deliver more than £120,000 of investment at the popular town park using Future High Streets Funding.

Volunteers from Wolverhampton Archaeology Group (WAG) have worked with the Friends group to find the remains of a structure, which is believed to have been manned during World War II as a look out post for German bombers.

Other work to the park has included planting meadow grass and trees where the Knott Centre was formally based, pathway improvements including on the well-used ‘Heroes Walk’ path, a new viewing and seating area with specialist World War II benches and an information lectern, a new archway entryway, and wall repair works.

The funding has also enabled some improvements to be made at St Michaels Church, with paths and the car park having been resurfaced and an overgrown gravel area being cleared and turfed for making future maintenance easier.

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said:

“Marsh Park is such a popular urban space. Utilising Future High Streets Funding, we are investing £120,000 in improving and securing it for future generations.

“We are immensely grateful to the Friends of Marsh Park and to Wolverhampton Archaeology for supporting these works and we are fascinated that they have uncovered remains from a World War II structure.

“It is likely the building served as a look out post for German bombers, who were attacking factories in the Black Country and Birmingham at that time, and we will be leaving the remains exposed for park visitors to see.”

Frank Chamberlain, representing Marsh Park Friends Group, added:

“It's so great for the town and park to have a tangible link to its war time past, thanks to the hard work done by the knowledgeable archaeologists.

“We are appealing to anyone who might have a picture of information about the lookout structure to come forward, as we still have so much to learn about it.

“As always, we’re looking for new park volunteers to help us as we continue to make improvements and people can get in touch with us to find out more.”

People with information about the structure and anyone wanting to get involved with the Friends group can contact culture@brierleyhill.net

The council has confirmed that further work is planned for Marsh Park this summer including improving remaining entrances, repainting of railings and benches and planting and bedding. St Michael’s Churchyard will also receive further landscaping and entrance improvements.