Built in 1867 it originally consisted of seven granite-faced casemates and mounted seven 7 inch RBL's. As built it was more danger to itself than to any enemy. The granite building sprouted up from the bleak landscape was easily visible to enemy shipping and its 7 inch guns lacked the range to engage them in the deeper channels of the estuary.
It was greatly improved in 1891 with the addition of earthworks which hid it's stark profile and the construction of two 'wing' batteries which mounted two 9.2in and two 6in breech loaders on hydro-pneumatic disappearing mountings.
In 1906 the two guns in the right wing battery were replaced by 9.2" BLs on Barbette mountings
The Fort was dis-armed in 1912 but was used by the military in WW1 as a Port War Signal Station and in WW2 it mounted some AA guns.
Its now in use as a riding stables but the owners, Bourne Leisure, have got big plans to restore it and turn it into a major visitor attraction for its Allhallows Leisure Park.
cliveh
It was greatly improved in 1891 with the addition of earthworks which hid it's stark profile and the construction of two 'wing' batteries which mounted two 9.2in and two 6in breech loaders on hydro-pneumatic disappearing mountings.
In 1906 the two guns in the right wing battery were replaced by 9.2" BLs on Barbette mountings
The Fort was dis-armed in 1912 but was used by the military in WW1 as a Port War Signal Station and in WW2 it mounted some AA guns.
Its now in use as a riding stables but the owners, Bourne Leisure, have got big plans to restore it and turn it into a major visitor attraction for its Allhallows Leisure Park.
cliveh