Spitbank Fort
Spitbank Fort is a sea fort located in the Solent, near Portsmouth, England. Work on constructing the fort started in 1861 and was completed in 1878. It is 162 feet in diameter across at its base, with 1 floor and a basement and armour plating only on the seaward side. By the time of completion the seaward side had received nine 12.5” thirty eight ton RML guns. In 1898 the role of the fort was changed to defend against light craft and the roof was fitted out with two 4.7” guns and searchlights. In the early 1900s all but three original large guns were removed, with minor upgrades to the smaller guns and searchlights continuing through the years. The fort was declared surplus to requirements in 1962 and disposed of by the Ministry of Defence in 1982. The fort is now privately owned, opens as a museum and has limited accommodation available.
Spitbank Fort belongs to the following groups:
Britain's Coastline, Nautical, South East UK, Treasured UK Structures (TUKS) and Wessex UK - Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and south Gloucestershire Available for sale asGreeting Cards
Rita H. Ireland
Wow very very cool image and thank you for sharing!
ChelseaBlue replied
Thanks, this is one of my favourites
Richard Veal
Obviously a yachtsman. Great shot. I nearly crashed into one of these in the Thames Estuary, while in charge of a 30 footer. The wind + tide were very unkind to me. :-))
ChelseaBlue replied
Unfortunately not on a yacht, I was actually on a cruise boat returning from Beaulieu River (Bucklers Hard)
Richard Veal
Bucklers Hard. I was last there 38 years ago. :-((
jacobea
I’m prety sure that this is what i kept seeing from the Portsmouth-Ryde ferry. Nice to see a close up :)
ChelseaBlue replied
You are correct, there are I believe 2 of these in the Solent
Kurt Tutschek
how interesting. thanks for the information about spitbank fort!
ChelseaBlue replied
Thanks Kurt, glad you took an interest
Kevin Kroeker
Very cool shot… I would love to photograph something like this!
ChelseaBlue replied
It was relatively easy on that particular day, but the Solent is renowned for inclement weather and I wouldn’t fancy trying it during gale storm conditions !
Roddy Atkinson
Great shot and info, amazing looking place!
ChelseaBlue replied
Enjoyed taking this shot, but on another day it would be impossible !
Linda Morrison
Interesting …thanks for the commentary. Is it far from shore?
ChelseaBlue replied
It is a fair distance from shoreline, should imagine it’s far enough to feel detached in a force 10 gale, thanks for your comments
amarica
Great shot!
ChelseaBlue replied
Cheers amarica !
Lynda McDonald
interesting narrative, makes me wonder how they did it !,
a most unusual type of photo
ChelseaBlue replied
Thanks for your kind comments Lynda
Malcolm Chant
Great, I again know these two Forts in the Solent, as your coming into Portsmouth Harbour,
Did you take these from a Boat as you passed by, or with a Zoom lens, whatever it’s a great shot, ^ thank you for bringing back memories.
ChelseaBlue replied
Took the shot just “passing by”, thanks for your comments
reflector
An excellent capture – very interesting subject matter !
ChelseaBlue replied
Thank you Reflector
4spotmore
Thanks for sharing, excellent shot, yes be a bit iffy in high seas in storm season.
ChelseaBlue replied
Thank you for your comments
rodsfotos
It certainly is quite a structure and with a long history of use as a military stronghold, doubtless it will look much like this when we are all dead and gone, well photographed and documented,
Regards, Rod.
ChelseaBlue replied
Thanks for your comments Rod
Sharon Mau
It is a fascinating structure and I very much enjoy your story!
ChelseaBlue replied
Thank you Sharon, appreciate your comments
Glenda Remaklus
Great shot!
ChelseaBlue replied
Thanks Glenda