Fort Burgoyne (originally called Castle Hill Fort) was one of the Palmerston follies built after the 1860’s to help protect against a possible French invasion – in this case it was bolstering up the defences of Dover Castle. The ramparts were used for guns in bomb-proof Haxo casemates for attacking an enemy, while the underground caponiers protected the ditch from assault. Expense magazines for immediate use are up with the rampart guns on top, while the more serious magazines (in terms of size) are buried in the rampart. The casemates also accommodated the garrison of 270 men and 7 officers.
In the early 20th century Connaught Barracks was built immediately to the south on the other side of the ditch and is still in theory the only access route. Concrete pillboxes were added in WW2 when it was refortified.
It's said that the Barracks and Fort were guarded by Gurkhas. Very busy and efficient guys - wouldn't want to interfere with their routine just in case they still are around.
The 1860 brick fort is partly shielded by a WW2 concrete blast wall
The blast wall is quite handy in some respects
Gun mounting on top of ramparts
Lightwell to basement level
Passage behind casemates
Tunnel to north caponier
North caponier
South caponier stairs
South caponier
In the early 20th century Connaught Barracks was built immediately to the south on the other side of the ditch and is still in theory the only access route. Concrete pillboxes were added in WW2 when it was refortified.
It's said that the Barracks and Fort were guarded by Gurkhas. Very busy and efficient guys - wouldn't want to interfere with their routine just in case they still are around.
The 1860 brick fort is partly shielded by a WW2 concrete blast wall
The blast wall is quite handy in some respects
Gun mounting on top of ramparts
Lightwell to basement level
Passage behind casemates
Tunnel to north caponier
North caponier
South caponier stairs
South caponier