Fortifications of Portland
Owing to its strategic location on the south coast and the value of its anchorage, which was transformed into a harbour of refuge by the Victorians, Portland has been defended by fortifications spanning from the Iron Age to the early period of the Cold War.
This page aims to provide a summary of the island's major fortifications, with a focus on those that survive today. Other defensive works would have existed prior to the Victorian period, but details are largely scarce on them. Most of the sites featured below have their own articles which cover their full history and these can be accessed by clicking on their images or hyperlinks.
This page aims to provide a summary of the island's major fortifications, with a focus on those that survive today. Other defensive works would have existed prior to the Victorian period, but details are largely scarce on them. Most of the sites featured below have their own articles which cover their full history and these can be accessed by clicking on their images or hyperlinks.
Early defences
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Ancient works
Verne Hill, the highest point on the island, was the location of an Iron Age hill fort created in connection with the natural anchorage below. The remains of this defensive work survived until the construction of the Verne Citadel in the mid-19th century. One of the most notable discoveries recorded at the time of the citadel's construction were human remains believed to be Romano-British, suggesting the site's continued occupancy at the time of Roman Britain. In 1936, a mound of approximately 2,000 pebbles from Chesil Beach, stored for use as slingstones, was discovered at the Verne. |
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Rufus Castle
Overlooking Church Ope Cove on the east side of Portland, the ruins of Rufus Castle have been dated to the 15th century. Although its origins are uncertain, it has been suggested the castle replaced earlier defensive works built for King William II in the late 11th century. The earliest reference to a castle on Portland dates to 1142, when it was captured by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, on behalf of Empress Matilda, during the civil war known as the Anarchy (1135-53). The construction of the castle seen today is likely to have been funded by Richard, Duke of York, sometime between 1432-60. It continued to defend Portland from foreign raiders until the construction of Portland Castle in 1539-41. |
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Tudor defences
Between 1539 and 1547, King Henry VIII had a chain of coastal artillery forts built along the coastline of England and Wales as a result of tensions between England, the Holy Roman Empire and France. In 1534, after Pope Clement VII refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII broke from Rome and formed the Church of England. When the Empire and France declared an alliance in 1538, an invasion of England to attempt to re-establish Catholicism and counter the English Reformation was believed to be imminent. In Dorset, Portland Roads was considered both a valuable anchorage and potential invasion spot, resulting in two fortifications being built there as per the recommendations of Lord Russell.
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Portland Castle
Portland Castle was built in 1539-41 within the southern region of the anchorage. The castle experienced its only real action during the First English Civil War of 1642-46 as a Royalist stronghold which was captured twice by Parliamentary forces. It finally ended its defensive role after the Napoleonic Wars and became a private residence before being returned to the War Office in 1869. The castle was then used as for military-related accommodation and storage purposes until 1949 when it was transferred to the Ministry of Works, restored and opened to the public in 1952. Now under the care of English Heritage, the castle continues to open to visitors each peak season. |
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Sandsfoot Castle
The sister of Portland Castle, Sandsfoot Castle was also built in 1539-41 to defend Portland Roads, but from the north-west side, near Wyke Regis. Unlike its contemporary, Sandsfoot's use as a fortification came to an end in the mid-17th century when it was given a new role as a storehouse. Suffering from the effects of coastal erosion since its construction, the castle had become a ruin by 1725 and further stone was removed afterwards for use in local building. Much of the castle's gun platform collapsed during the 19th century and the ruins were closed off to the public in 1930. A £200,000 conservation project carried out in 2011-12 has allowed the castle to be reopened to the public as an attraction. |
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Victorian works
The transformation of Portland Roads into a harbour of refuge during the mid-19th century is largely responsible for Portland's Victorian and post-Victorian defences. The Portland Breakwater Act was approved by the British government in 1847 for the construction of two breakwater arms to enclose the natural anchorage. Its perceived value to the Royal Navy, fears of a French invasion, the development of Cherbourg Harbour and concerns over the security of the English Channel all played a part in the creation of a harbour of refuge at Portland. While construction of the two breakwater arms was being carried out between 1849 and 1872, a number of fortifications were constructed to defend the new harbour and the ships anchored there.
The fortifications which were built at Portland during this period formed part of a wider programme intended to protect the United Kingdom from invasion. In addition to Portland, fortifications were built at many other strategic locations, including Plymouth, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and Dover. The Prime Minister of the time, Henry John Temple (Lord Palmerston), was responsible for setting up the Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom in 1859 to advise on "the most effectual means of placing the Kingdom in a complete state of defence". As a result, the fortifications built during this period are often referred to as Palmerston Forts.
The fortifications which were built at Portland during this period formed part of a wider programme intended to protect the United Kingdom from invasion. In addition to Portland, fortifications were built at many other strategic locations, including Plymouth, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and Dover. The Prime Minister of the time, Henry John Temple (Lord Palmerston), was responsible for setting up the Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom in 1859 to advise on "the most effectual means of placing the Kingdom in a complete state of defence". As a result, the fortifications built during this period are often referred to as Palmerston Forts.
The fine harbour of Portland, now so nearly approaching completion, affording as it does a secure anchorage of great extent and very easy of access, must at all times be a naval station of great value; but its situation and capabilities will render it of especial importance to this country in the event of war; it is therefore absolutely necessary that it should be so effectually defended as to ensure its use to ourselves, and deny its possession to an enemy. We consider that the works which have already been approved of will, when completed, be very powerful; and that they will suffice to render the harbour quite secure against attack.
Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom, 1860
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Verne Citadel
The primary defence for Portland Harbour was the Verne Citadel, sited on Verne Hill for its commanding position overlooking the new refuge. Construction was carried out between 1858 and 1884, although work had advanced far enough to allow the Verne to receive its first regiment as early as 1865. Nine open gun emplacements were able to hold the larger guns, while landward defence was provided by a large ditch, caponiers, galleries, flanks and ramparts. In the early 20th century, the Verne's armament was removed and its defensive role replaced by that of an infantry barracks, which remained its primary use until the departure of the last military personnel in 1948. The southern region of the citadel became the home of HM Prison The Verne in 1949, which continues to function as a Category C men's prison. |
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East Weare Batteries
The earliest batteries at East Weare were made up of six temporary constructions formed in 1859, but these were replaced by new, permanent works constructed from 1864. These five batteries (designated A to E) were armed with RML guns and formed part of the Verne Citadel's outworks. Numerous changes and adaptations of the batteries were made into the early 20th century. The introduction of BL guns resulted in fewer gun positions being required and C to E Batteries would be abandoned at the end of the century, in favour of the reconstruction and modernisation of A and B Batteries during 1899-1901. A Battery was the last section to remain in use as an active coastal defence until 1956. A and B Batteries were then used by the Royal Navy as a DISTEX site for disaster relief training as part of the Flag Officer Sea Training programme, based at Portland until 1995. |
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Inner Pier Head Fort
This small fort was constructed between 1860-62 at the seaward end of the inner breakwater arm to defend the south ship channel. It was originally armed with ML 8-inch shell guns and 68-pdr guns. The fort later underwent modernisation in 1897-99 to allow for the installation of QF guns, but saw less use after World War I, partly as the Royal Sovereign-class pre-dreadnought battleship HMS Hood was scuttled in the south entrance as an anti-torpedo measure in 1914. |
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Breakwater Fort
Located on the northern end of the outer breakwater arm, the Breakwater Fort was constructed between 1868 and 1879, although foundation work for an earlier design had commenced at the site in 1860. The fort was originally armed with 12.5-inch RMLs and the last of these were replaced by BL 6-inch guns, which were installed on the fort's roof in 1909. The final RML guns to be removed as part of this modernisation were cut up and dumped on the breakwater arm alongside the fort, where they remain to this day. In addition to its defensive role, the fort was also used as an examination battery during World War II. It has remained derelict since it was decommissioned in 1956. |
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Nothe Fort
Built between 1860 and 1872, the Nothe Fort defended Portland Harbour from the north at Weymouth's Nothe Peninsula, which had been used as a defensive site in previous centuries. The fort's original RMLs were replaced with BL guns in the 1900s and these were installed in new emplacements on the ramparts. The fort was only occupied intermittently during the inter-war period and its BL guns, which had been removed in 1916, were not replaced until 1929. After World War II, the fort continued to be regularly used for training until its decommissioning in 1956. The local council acquired the site in 1959, but it remained derelict until the Weymouth Civic Society opened the fort as a tourist attraction in 1980. It has been gradually restored and developed as a museum, while public events are now regularly held there too. |
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Late 19th and early 20th century works
The fortifications of the mid-19th century were largely obsolete by the time of their completion, as naval warfare and technology advanced at an unprecedented rate. In addition to RMLs being superseded by the introduction of QF and BL guns, a range of new technology was available for coastal defence including searchlights and range-finding and telephonic equipment. Portland's existing fortifications were modernised and supplementary ones added during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The development of the torpedo also provided a new threat of warfare, prompting the harbour to be completely enclosed with the construction of two further breakwater arms, carried out between 1896 and 1905.
The work carried out at Portland renders the harbour completely secure against a torpedo attack. It is now one of the finest artificial harbours in the world. It is most suitably placed as a base for a fleet observing Cherbourg, and is not at a great disadvantage, as compared with Devonport, as the base of a fleet observing Brest.
Brassey's Navy Annual, 1903
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Verne High Angle Battery
Sited a short distance south of the Verne Citadel, the High Angle Battery (originally known as the Verne Quarry Battery) was constructed in 1890-95 as one of a small number of its type across the UK. The concept behind this new type of defence was for obsolete RML guns to be adapted to fire at any angle in the attempt to destroy enemy vessels by dropping shells onto their upper decks, rather than targeting the better-protected sides of thick armour. However, the battery's use as a coastal defence would prove to be short due to the rising use of smaller and faster craft such as motor torpedo boats, which were far more difficult targets to hit, leading to the battery to be decommissioned in 1906. |
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Blacknor Battery
Overlooking Lyme Bay from the west clifftops of Portland, Blacknor Battery was constructed in 1900-02 to cover the western approaches to Portland. The battery, which was modified in 1908-09, was armed with BL guns and saw some experimental use as a rocket test facility during the 1930s. It saw some action during World War II, which included the successful hit of an E-Boat, while its gunners also witnessed the massacre of Allied troops at Slapton Sands during the ill-fated Exercise Tiger in 1944, part of rehearsals for the Normandy landings. The battery was decommissioned in 1956 and went on to become a private residence, complete with outbuildings and stables. |
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Upton Battery
Covering the eastern approaches to Portland Harbour, Upton Battery was constructed in 1901-03 east of Osmington Mills. It was armed with BL guns, but these were all removed over the course of the early part of the century, reducing the battery to care and maintenance in the 1920s. It was rearmed and returned to full operational use during World War II and later decommissioned in 1956. The battery is now home to a number of private residences, but retains many of its original features. |
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Pier Head Batteries
Until the new breakwater arms could be completed, the open section of the harbour between Weymouth and the Breakwater Fort was defended by a series of dolphins (structures of timber and iron) with boom defences (nets) spanning between them. Some of the dolphins were also fortified with QF guns, well-suited for close defence against torpedo craft. The finished breakwaters incorporated three new defensive positions at A, B and C Heads, all of which were armed with QF and Maxim guns by early 1905. A number of alterations were made to these pier heads and their armament over the following decades and the final guns were removed around 1957. |
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World War II
The outbreak of war in 1939 and the fall of France in 1940 prompted the construction of new defensive works to combat aerial bombardment and a potential invasion by Germany, while existing fortifications retained their vital roles in coastal defence.
The threat of aerial attack led to the establishment of numerous light and heavy anti-aircraft positions across Portland and Weymouth. The earliest HAA sites to be established in 1939 were at the Verne, Southwell, Nothe Gardens and Barrow Camp (Wyke Regis). A further two were added in 1942; one at Black Head, near Osmington, and the other at Fleet. These six batteries were bolstered by various LAA positions and emplacements which were found all across the local area. Portland would be the target of 48 air raids over the course of the war.
The fall of France in 1940 sparked anti-invasion preparations across the south coast. A number of pillboxes (hardened field defences) were constructed on the island, primarily along the east coastline and within the region of the harbour. Rifle pits and slit trenches were also formed while other measures included laying minefields, anti-landing obstacles and anti-tank blocks. A battery of three 6-inch guns was established at Portland Bill and manned by the Royal Marine Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation. Adding to the existing defences of Portland Harbour, torpedo firing positions and searchlights were established along the breakwaters and pier heads, and minefields also laid.
The threat of aerial attack led to the establishment of numerous light and heavy anti-aircraft positions across Portland and Weymouth. The earliest HAA sites to be established in 1939 were at the Verne, Southwell, Nothe Gardens and Barrow Camp (Wyke Regis). A further two were added in 1942; one at Black Head, near Osmington, and the other at Fleet. These six batteries were bolstered by various LAA positions and emplacements which were found all across the local area. Portland would be the target of 48 air raids over the course of the war.
The fall of France in 1940 sparked anti-invasion preparations across the south coast. A number of pillboxes (hardened field defences) were constructed on the island, primarily along the east coastline and within the region of the harbour. Rifle pits and slit trenches were also formed while other measures included laying minefields, anti-landing obstacles and anti-tank blocks. A battery of three 6-inch guns was established at Portland Bill and manned by the Royal Marine Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation. Adding to the existing defences of Portland Harbour, torpedo firing positions and searchlights were established along the breakwaters and pier heads, and minefields also laid.
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Verne Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery
The HAA battery at the Verne, known as P3, was established in 1939 to counter the threat of aerial attack. The original battery on the glacis of the Verne was armed with mobile 3-inch guns of World War I origin, which were replaced with QF 3.7-inch guns in 1940. A new set of emplacements were constructed on a nearby site to the west in 1942-43 and remained in use for the rest of the war. The site was retained by the War Office at the beginning of the Cold War as part of the Nuclear Force programme, which was dissolved in 1955. The battery went on to be used as stables and remains the only complete survival of the local area's HAA sites. |
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Plan of the coastal defences of Portland Harbour
A basic plan of the major defences and fortifications built to defend Portland Harbour. It can be opened by clicking on it.
