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Devil's Dyke 1904

'Devil's Punch Bowl' 1904
From the private collection of Sam Flowers
Mock 110-Ton Cannon, Devil's Dyke, 1904
From the private collection of Sam Flowers

The first of these photos had the label ‘Devil’s Punch Bowl’.  Just visible atop the distant slope is a pylon and masonry base of the short-lived aerial cableway (unfortunately, a view of this wasn’t included in the collection).

The second photograph had written ‘110-Ton Mock Cannon’.  I hadn’t seen a picture of this ‘cannon’ before.  What little I know (struggling to find definite information) I believe it was a wooden replica, based amongst the many amusements to be found at or near the site of today’s Devil’s Dyke pub.  The photo shows a number of penny slot machines beside the cannon (of the type once seen on our pleasure piers).  I do think the cannon looks a little flimsy!

Can anyone please add further information?  Was the cannon meant to represent some type of cannon with a historical connection to Brighton/Sussex, or was it simply an entertaining gimmick ?!  Is anything known of what became of it?  Are the mast and painted post of any significance?

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