Solent Forts
The spectacular and historic Solent Forts date back over 150 years, built by Lord Palmerston during the Napoleonic wars, who feared of invasion by the French naval attacks on the Royal naval fleet and Portsmouth dockyard.
Built in the 1860s, with 15ft granite walls and armour plating, these magnificent structures stand today in Solent as a testament to Victorian engineering.
The Forts took 15 years to complete, by which time, the French threat of invasion no longer existed, and hence, the forts became known as “Palmerston’s follies”.
During the 1st World War, these man-made fortresses became a line of defence, targeting smaller ships trying to slip through the approaches. No Man’s Land Fort, Horse Sand and Spit Bank Forts all became naval signalling stations, and during WWII the forts became a primary defence for Portsmouth dockyard and approaching sea channels.
During this period, the forts sustained damage from gunfire, air strikes and submarine attacks.
After WWII they were decommissioned from military service and put up for sale, and work began to transform two of the three Forts into luxury hotels, eventually opening in 2012.
Sadly, they are no longer open but remain amazing and historic sights, standing imposingly in the waters of the Solent today.
Come out with us and see these amazing structures, on all of our Solent tours!