Link to Mervyn's "Marines in Tights" & Landguard Fort site
for SatNav or GPS, use Postcode IP11 3TW to drive to the Fort
| Our Wanted List
Link to Mervyn's "Marines in Tights" & Landguard Fort site
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for SatNav or GPS, use Postcode IP11 3TW to drive to the Fort |
Landguard Fort has a long and rich history. Originally built at the behest of Henry the Eighth it is the only fort in England to have repelled a full scale invasion attempt. This was in 1667 when Captain Nathaniel Darell and 500 men defeated Admiral de Ruyter's Dutch force on 2nd July (Darell day is still celebrated). Since then the Fort has seen many changes during its time under military control up to 1956, when the army finally marched out. What remains now are parts of the walls and casemate rooms within, dating from the Fort of 1744 and later changes made during Queen Victoria's reign.
During the nineteenth century Victorian engineers made massive improvements to the Fort, which included the construction of a curved seven casemated battery facing the river. On two of the bastions casemated batteries were also constructed and another on the SE. curtain wall. Where there had once been a fifth bastion on the SW. side of the Fort a Caponier was built, with a large bomb proof shelter at the end of it.
The main armament for the Fort was 12.5 and 10 inch Rifled Muzzle Loaded guns. Beneath the casemates and gun positions are the magazines, a labyrinth of passageways, shell, powder and cartridge stores. In some places the hoists for raising ammunition to the guns are still in situ. A separate passageway contained the lamps for lighting the magazines (keeping naked flames away from the potential hazards of powder and ammunition).
A large curved barrack and office section was built inside the Fort, creating an inner keep. High up in the corner between Harwich bastion and the curved casemated section can be seen the submarine minefield observation position with its thick steel roof. At the other end of the curved battery, again on the roof, is a concrete Fire Control tower. Built in the early 1900s it had various sections added to it over the years. To the west of the Fort is Darell's Battery, originally built in 1901 and armed with two 4.7 inch guns. In WW2 two twin six pounder guns were installed. This area is at present fenced off for safety reasons.
South of the Fort is Right Battery, built in 1901 it had two six inch and one 10 inch gun. During WW2 a further two six inch batteries were added. The whole of Right Battery is now within a bird sanctuary and can be visited by prior arrangement.
In collaboration with English Heritage the Landguard Fort Trust has taken over the running and management of the Fort since the autumn of 1998. During 1997-98 extensive renovations were carried out on the structure of the Fort. A programme to develop educational, interpretational and display materials is continuing.
| From 21st March until 5 May
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"WALKING TO SAVE SOME SEA" | A provocative exhibition with a conservation theme. For more information -------- CLICK HERE |
Weekend 29th/30th March |
THE 95th RIFLES | Experience campaign life with "Sharpe's Regiment" |
Monday 5th May Bank Holiday
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OPEN DAY!!! FREE ENTRY!!! |
20 Exhibiting Artists !!!! |
From 10th until 23rd May
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"KISS IT BETTER" | Contemporary art that reflects aspects of safety and identity in the21st Century |
From 24th May until 21st June
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"WEATHER & ROOT" | Exhibition of art and sculpture reflecting nature and chaos |
From 7th until 28th July
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"WHERE SOLDIERS SLEEP" | A Contemporary Theatre production. "Strolling" players will take you back to the "ghostly" past of Landguard Fort. Experience the thrill of the "unknown"! |
Weekend 19th/20th July CELEBRATE WITH US!
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DARELL'S WEEKEND | With Col Pickering's Regiment of the Sealed Knot. 17th Century military life with a "Living History" camp and Mummer's Play about the "Defence of the Fort in 1667". See the pike dril and hear the volleys of musket and cannons FIRING!. A GREAT DAY for YOUNG and OLD! |
Bank Holiday Weekend 23rd/24th/25th August
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"SUFFOLK's OLYMPICS 2012 OPEN DAYS" |
(to be confirmed once SCC and SCDC announce the plans) |
Weekend 25th/26th October
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THE 95th RIFLES | Experience campaign life with "Sharpe's Regiment" |
Higher admission prices may apply for special events.
Groups and Outer Battery tours by arrangement with with the Operations Manager Telephone 07749 695 523
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