Outer London Defence Ring

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The Outer London Defence Ring was a defensive ring built around London during the early part of the Second World War. It was intended as a defence against a German invasion, and would have served as the last line of defence against attacking armoured forces.

The ring used a mixture of natural rivers and artificial ditches and, extending up to 20ft wide and 12ft deep, completely encircled London.

To the north of the city, the ring followed a path similar to the route now taken by the M25 motorway. The northern part of the ring extended from Watford, following the River Colne, through Potter's Bar, Cuffley, Nazeing, then running south through Epping Forest, Loughton and Chigwell.

Many pillboxes and anti-tank traps are still visible at points along the ring. However in the majority of places, such as that used to build the M25, or the areas which now form the suburbs of London, the ditch is no longer visible.

[edit] See also

• Fortifications of London
• British anti-invasion preparations of World War II
• GHQ Line
• Taunton Stop Line
• Coquet Stop Line
• London Defence Positions - a Victorian approach to the same problem.

[edit] External links

• Fortress Hertfordshire
• Essex County Council - Unlocking Essex's Past
• UK Pillboxes and Invasion Defence Remains.