Scheduled MonumentsEnglandLaira Battery

Laira Battery

England
List entry 1021134
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Laira Battery is a coastal defence work located near Plymouth in Devon. The battery dates from the Napoleonic Wars period, constructed in the early nineteenth century as part of the extensive fortification scheme protecting Plymouth Sound and the Devon coast. It comprises earthwork fortifications typical of Napoleonic-era coastal batteries, featuring gun positions designed to command approaches to the harbour. The site represents the strategic military priorities of Britain during the Napoleonic conflict, when invasion threats necessitated rapid expansion of coastal defensive infrastructure along the south coast.

Laira Battery is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1021134. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Laira Battery?

Laira Battery is a coastal defence work located near Plymouth in Devon. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1021134.

Who is responsible for protecting Laira Battery?

Laira Battery is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1021134.

What other scheduled monuments are near Laira Battery?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Round barrow on Burrow Hill (3.5 km), Mount Batten: prehistoric and Romano-British settlement (4.1 km), Fort Stamford (4.1 km).

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