Fort Cumberland is one of the finest examples of 18th century, pentagonal-shaped bastion forts in England. The fort’s fascinating story tells of the dramatic changes in defensive warfare over more than 250 years, from its Georgian origins to WW2 and the late 20th century conflicts. Now it faces very different existential threats from climate breakdown, including rising sea levels and the conservation challenges arising from ageing buildings and structures across two and a half centuries.
Fort Cumberland is a remarkable and unique place, a Scheduled Monument with above and below ground structures protected by a range of statutory controls including Grade II and II* listings. The site and its setting are highly sensitive and vulnerable to change, whether planned or unplanned and the visionary masterplan must balance up strategic objectives under the headings of people, planet, and place.
Fort Cumberland’s enormous historic value and its potential has largely remained untapped and hidden from view behind its fortifications. It is home to Historic England’s world-class Centre for Archaeology and is also home to research collections of international importance. It is in a remote location, yet within relatively easy reach of Portsmouth and Southsea, if improvements can be made to travel connections which could encourage people to walk, cycle or take the bus. There will also be opportunities for making Fort Cumberland an essential destination on long-distance leisure routes connecting to the ferry across to Hayling Island and making it part of the bigger leisure circuit around Portsea Island and Langstone Harbour.
Fort Cumberland, located at Eastney Point on the south-eastern corner of Portsea Island, was built to control the entrance to Langstone Harbour and improve the eastern defences of Portsmouth Dockyard.
The Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 increased the threat of French invasion and after his victory at the battle of Culloden in 1746, William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland undertook a review of the nation’s defences. A new fort on Eastney Point, replacing an existing gun battery, was recommended. Designed by the Ordnance Engineer John Desmaretz, construction began in 1747.
The first fort was star-shaped, built of earth with rubble stone revetting. Gun embrasures for large guns were concentrated on the seaward side, to the south and south-east. Developed from a medieval design, star forts use the points of the star (redans) to provide defensive fire in all directions, leaving no blind spots where attackers could hide.
Following an assessment of Portsmouth’s defences, plans to rebuild Fort Cumberland were submitted in 1782, with work commencing in 1783. The new fort was completed in 1812.
The second fort retained the star-shaped principle but on a much more formidable scale, with 34 guns to bear on any approaching force. It also incorporated casemates, where men, stores and powder magazines were housed within the curtain wall. Gravel infill around the brick vaults would have dissipated any explosion, protecting those housed beneath.
The distillery is housed in four ammunition vaults ,gun power ,cannon balls and fire arms were stored in them .
During our site visit many words came through the Hexcom William Henry Sandra and Elizabeth we also heard a train through the dualport and the k2 went crazy. Spectral nights can’t wait for this one it’s never been investigated before.
Four vaults which includes the distillery, The hub area, Outside grounds and around the fort walls opposite the distillery.
Note – if you wish to purchase and gin or rum from the distillery you are very welcome this can be purchased during the evening and held back for you to collect at the end of the investigation ( very nice Xmas presents).
Location
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