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The first systematic defence of British ports was carried out by the Romans who built forts at key locations such as Dover and Portsmouth.  With the arrival of the Normans in the 11th Century, they further developed many of the old Roman sites and also built new coast defence fortifications.  These castle and redoubts wereRead more

During the later half of the 19th Century, Cardiff and Bristol had been protected by a line of coastal defence batteries covering the Bristol Channel from Lavenock in Wales to Brean Down Fort in England.  Flat Holme and Steep Holme Island covered the intervals. By the 1900 Cardiff was protected by Lavenock Battery with twoRead more

Breakwater Fort at Portland Harbour On the 7th December 1893 the Join Naval and Military Committee on Defence issued a report outlining general principles in respect of  British Defended Ports, Harbours, and Anchorages.  This report included General Principals and Detailed Instructions in respect of the defence of these locations.  These Principles were the template forRead more

Portsmouth Harbour Princess Royal Fortress at King George Sound, Australia was recommended by Sir William Jevois in 1878 as part of his survey of the Australian defences.  The British had largely withdrawn their regular troops from Australia in 1870, relying on the Australian states to fund and garrison the various defences. The actual plans forRead more

The Atlantic Ocean was arguably the most important area for the British at this time, particularly within the rough rectangle of the Atlantic between London, Halifax, Bermuda and Gibraltar.    The principal defended British Ports in this part of the World were: Halifax Fortress Bermuda Fortress Caribbean including Jamaica (naval dockyard) and St Lucia (coalingRead more

The British Home Ports had developed since the founding of the Royal Navy under the rule of Henry VIII (1509 to 1547) but it was not until the Acts of Union in 1707 that it started to emerge as a coherent force. Prior to that it had a poor record, particularly against a much moreRead more

THE PINK ROUTES In the July 1997 issue of the Defence of Britain Project Newsletter they acknowledge the handover of Hong Kong to the Peoples Republic of China.  They questioned the lack of research, adequate records and interpretation in respect of fortifications of the British Empire, citing a lack of funds as being one significantRead more