Rare Section of the Berlin Wall Installed at Eastnor Deer Park

A powerful new historical landmark has arrived in Herefordshire, offering visitors a tangible link to one of the defining moments of modern European history.

Eastnor Deer Park, near Ledbury, is now home to an authentic, full-size segment of the Berlin Wall – the infamous Cold War structure that divided Europe for nearly three decades. Standing 3.6 metres tall and weighing 2.6 tonnes, the monumental concrete section once formed part of the Wall just north of central Berlin and still bears its original graffiti — making it both a striking visual centrepiece and a moving historical artefact.

The Berlin Wall, erected on 13 August 1961, stretched for 96 miles around West Berlin. Unique in global history, it was built not to repel outsiders, but to prevent citizens from escaping from East Germany to the West. Its construction followed the flight of nearly four million people seeking freedom, and during its existence many tragically lost their lives attempting to cross it.

The story behind the Wall’s arrival at Eastnor began earlier this year when James Hervey-Bathurst travelled to Germany to view remaining segments near Meyenburg in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Moved by the opportunity to preserve such an important artefact, he selected this particular piece for its exceptional condition and authentic artwork.

“I was fascinated to learn that original sections of the Wall were still available,” said James Hervey-Bathurst. “Seeing them first-hand made me determined to bring one here, where it could be experienced by the public.”

More than 170 segments of the Berlin Wall are displayed around the world as memorials to those who suffered or lost their lives during division.

The site chosen for the installation adds a poignant historical resonance. The Wall now stands on concrete pads that once supported Nissen huts housing American troops in preparation for the D-Day landings in 1944, drawing a symbolic connection between two defining periods in the struggle for freedom in Europe.

After its careful journey across Europe, the massive artefact arrived at Eastnor on Friday 5 December. The segment made its slow ascent along the Ridgeway track before being expertly positioned by James Hervey-Bathurst and the Eastnor Works Department, ready to be unveiled to visitors.

Reflecting on the installation, James said:

“There are many sites worldwide where Wall segments can be seen – even one small piece on Mars – and now Eastnor has become one of them. I visited East Berlin as a tourist back in 1975, and it is incredibly meaningful to now have a full-size souvenir of that experience.”

“I hope older visitors will appreciate what a serious and imposing barrier it truly was, and that it will introduce schoolchildren to such an important chapter in European history. I’m very grateful to Natural England for allowing its display in Eastnor Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest – and now perhaps of special historic interest too.”

Visitors can view the Berlin Wall segment free of charge during visits to Eastnor Deer Park which is open daily.