Description

SU 60 NE HAVANT PORTSDOWN HILL ROAD 26.5.76

3/8 Fort Purbrook II*

The easternmost of a series of Palmerston forts (of the 1860's) which ring the Portsmouth naval base at a distance of 3 to 5 miles, the northern line being constructed on and within the east-west chalk ridge of Portsdown Hill. The polygonal form has a deep ditch on the outer faces, lined with brick walls. There are brick lined tunnels and staircases within the chalk, giving access to rifle parapets, gun emplacements, ammunition stores, and central assembly ground, which forms the earthen platform. To the rear (south side) is a central triangular barrack block, which includes two tiers of casemates on the outer faces, flanked by plain walling, with entrances on each side; the external face is red brickwork, with a series of narrow openings. The gateways have 'Norman' arches with roll mouldings, and 2 recessed columns with cushion caps, all in stone. Little altered, and never used as a defence from a landward assault from the north. Ancient Monument.

Listing NGR: SU6942006469

External Links

• Wikidata Q17534545

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
• 
  Norfolk 1: Norwich and North-East: Norwich and North-east v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
• 
  Warwickshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  The Listed Buildings and Other Principal Structures at the Royal Gunpowder Mills Waltham Abbey