Scheduled MonumentsEnglandSpitbank Fort

Spitbank Fort

England
List entry 1018587
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Spitbank Fort is a mid-nineteenth-century coastal defence fortification located in the Solent off Portsmouth, Hampshire. Constructed between 1860 and 1865 as part of the extensive programme of sea forts initiated under Lord Palmerston's government, the fort was designed to protect Portsmouth Harbour and the naval dockyards from potential French attack. The structure comprises a circular iron-and-granite fort built on a shoal in shallow water, featuring gun emplacements and garrison quarters arranged within its compact defensive perimeter. The fort remains substantially intact and represents a significant example of Victorian-era military engineering and coastal fortification strategy.

Spitbank Fort is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1018587. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Spitbank Fort?

Spitbank Fort is a mid-nineteenth-century coastal defence fortification located in the Solent off Portsmouth, Hampshire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1018587.

Who is responsible for protecting Spitbank Fort?

Spitbank Fort 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 1018587.

What other scheduled monuments are near Spitbank Fort?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bowl barrow 340m east of Eaglehead Copse, forming part of a Bronze Age barrow cemetery (10.8 km), Bowl barrow 220m east of Eaglehead Copse, forming part of a Bronze Age barrow cemetery (10.8 km), Bowl barrow 390m east of Eaglehead Copse, forming part of a Bronze Age barrow cemetery (10.9 km).

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