East Anglian Coast

The coastal zone of East Anglia has been covered by two National Mapping Programme (NMP) projects dealing specifically with the coastal zone, the results from which help to characterise the archaeology on the coast visible from the air.  A predominant theme to emerge from the area is the density and complexity of the coastal defences, mainly dating from World War II. However, the projects also look at a contextual area in the hinterland along the coast which helps to inform local planning decisions.

The coastal aspects of the Norfolk NMP survey have provided a vital archaeological context for the area around Great Yarmouth in advance of planned development and possible future development associated with regeneration of the town and harbour.

The Suffolk Coast NMP project is now complete and a book, Suffolk's Defended Shore, will be published in 2007 that highlights the particular importance of historic aerial photographs, which provide a different, and often unique, perspective on the coastal defences constructed during World War II.

The images used on this page are copyright English Heritage unless specified otherwise. For further details of any photographs or other images and for copies of these, or the plans and reports related to the project please contact the NMR English Heritage's public archive.

For further information on a project or any other aspect of the work of the Aerial Survey team please contact us at: AerialSurvey@english-heritage.org.uk.