Fort Borstal was built 1875 - 1883 using convict labour frrom the nearby prison.It formed part of the outer ring of defences protecting Chatham Dockyard. As with the other forts in the ring it is largely constructed of concrete, polygonal in shape and surrounded by a deep ditch part of which is now filled in. There was no fixed armament but provision was made for it to be used by mobile artillery. Following its completion the Fort was garrisoned and took part in various siege operations. During the First World War it served as barrack accomodation and stores for the Army prior to embarkation to France. After the War it was used by a T.A. unit, the 166 City of Rochester Battery, Royal Artillery. Prior to the outbreak of WW2, 4.5 inch AA guns were installed in the Fort. There were four guns set into concrete emplacements on the ramparts. When war broke out again these guns formed part of the Medway A.A. defence. After the War the Fort remained in the hands of a Royal Artillery Corps Maintenance Unit before being handed over to Home Office to be used by the Borstal Institution in 1961. The Fort is now in private ownership.
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