'Dragon's teeth' monuments given special protection

WORLD WAR TWO DEFENCE MEASURES FOUND NEAR TOWN

- By VICTORIA SHIPP [e-mail] @VickyShipp

A VERY unusual part of Guildford has been given special protection by Heritage England because of how rare it is.

Those who have ever gone for a walk in Thorneycroft Wood, in Guildford, may have spotted a hidden historical treasure among the trees.

Within this small slither of woodland, between The Spectrum and the A3, are a remarkable set of 'dragon's teeth, which have been nationally recognised for their cultural importance.

Just a short walk from Stoke Park, these antitank obstacles are easy to find - but they are not widely known about.

Built in 1941-42, they are among the best-preserved examples of the measures taken to defend Britain against invasion during the Second World War.

If you have not seen them, they are concrete, pyramid-shaped 'dragon's teeth', designed to stop tanks, placed in neat rows on a hill a short way into the woods.