Spitbank Fort
In 1860, the forts were built to protect from an invasion by Napolean III. Although work commenced in 1867, ths wasn’t completed until 1878. These forts have never fired a shot in anger and are more commonly known as the 'Palmerston Follies'.
Throughout the Government's 100 years of ownership, Spitbank Fort underwent several enhancements in response to various threats from the continent, including updates in military technology such as searchlights, anti-aircraft defences and more efficient guns.
The fort was declared surplus to requirements in 1962 but was only sold by the Ministry of Defence in 1982. Since then the fort has been privately owned and sold again in 2009 to be turned into an exclusive retreat
Throughout the Government's 100 years of ownership, Spitbank Fort underwent several enhancements in response to various threats from the continent, including updates in military technology such as searchlights, anti-aircraft defences and more efficient guns.
The fort was declared surplus to requirements in 1962 but was only sold by the Ministry of Defence in 1982. Since then the fort has been privately owned and sold again in 2009 to be turned into an exclusive retreat