Shoreham Fort

Shoreham Fort is the prototype for all Palmerston Forts including Fort Nelson in Portsmouth, completed in June 1857 to protect Shoreham Harbour from Napoleon III at a cost of £11685. This crescent-shaped lunette fort with its innovative Carnot Wall represents experimental military architecture that corrected design flaws from Littlehampton Fort (1854) before larger fortifications were built.

The gun platform 15 feet above sea level originally mounted six 68-pounder guns on traversing platforms surrounded by a defensive ditch with three caponiers allowing riflemen to fire along walls at besiegers.

Garrisoned by the 1st Sussex Artillery Volunteers who won prizes for shooting accuracy in 1865, the fort remains a Scheduled Ancient Monument now lovingly restored by the Friends of Shoreham Fort charity.

The strategic defensive importance of Shoreham Fort stemmed from protecting the entrance to Shoreham Harbour at the mouth of the River Adur, guarding vital cross-Channel communications and trade routes.

The lunette design with straight-sided crescent shape maximised defensive firepower covering seaward approaches while the Carnot Wall running along the ditch center created additional obstacles for attackers. The central caponier straddling the ditch connected to the fort via tunnel under the gun platform, while east and west caponiers doubled as latrines.

However, an 1873 military review found the fort obsolete with inadequate construction and vulnerability to land attack.

During WWII, Shoreham became part of an emergency coastal battery with aiming lights and two 6-inch guns in emplacements built on the terreplein. The WWII aiming light station east of the fort now houses National Coastwatch Institution volunteers observing harbour entrance and sea approaches.

Post-war demolition of the barrack block and construction of a coastguard tower on the gun platform diminished the fort until restoration by West Sussex County Council 1977-78. The Friends of Shoreham Fort continue ambitious restoration including rebuilding the barrack block to create museum and community asset.

The remarkable WWI Nissen Hut story adds deeply personal dimension to Shoreham Fort’s history. In March-April 2014, volunteers relocated the last useable First World War Nissen Hut in Britain from near Chichester to Shoreham Fort.

This hut had been home to two former Land Girls who lived there continuously since World War II until both died in late 2013. These women spent their entire adult lives in the humble corrugated iron structure, maintaining it for seven decades as their permanent residence. After their deaths, the hut faced demolition until Shoreham Fort volunteers dismantled it carefully, transported it, and rebuilt it on the fort’s Nissen hut base. Historic England confirmed its status as the last useable WWI Nissen Hut nationally.

The hut now serves as education centre and display space, honouring the memory of the two Land Girls whose devotion preserved this unique structure. Their story represents countless women who served during wartime then lived modestly afterwards, their contributions often overlooked until projects like Shoreham Fort’s restoration bring them recognition.

In September 2020, the Friends built a memorial training trench honouring all who trained locally before leaving for France in WWI, partly funded by National Lottery and Adur and Worthing Councils. Used for education, the trench complements the September 2024 Air Raid Shelter Experience recreating 1940s civilian life during Blitz bombing.

These immersive experiences align with education curriculum helping students understand war’s effects on civilians. The fort offers Tin Hut Talks featuring expert speakers, work days welcoming volunteer Fort Family members, and Food for Fort café serving refreshments.

Visitor Reviews from the Web

Positive reviews praise the passionate dedicated volunteers treasuring this excellent piece of local and national heritage. Visitors appreciate the beautiful coastal views, rich history, and well-maintained site enhanced by informational boards.

The National Coastwatch tower provides additional interest. Families enjoy the free Sunday open days with guided tours.

The WWI Memorial Trench and WWII Air Raid Shelter Experience earn acclaim for immersive educational value. Dog-friendly policies with water bowls available receive consistent praise. The fort’s peaceful beach setting revealed at tide creates serene atmosphere. Heritage Open Days events featuring military vehicles and living history groups bring history alive.

Negative aspects mentioned include limited opening hours with café and some facilities not always open, requiring advance check. The fort being privately owned means fenced access with restricted hours.

Large steps up to gun emplacements challenge mobility-impaired visitors. Climbing restrictions frustrate children wanting to explore freely. Some visitors wish for more regular opening beyond Sunday afternoons and special events.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoreham Fort

What are Shoreham Fort opening hours?

Regular open days typically Sundays plus Heritage Open Days events and special occasions. Check shorehamfort.co.uk or call 07787994815 for current schedule. The site requires volunteer staffing so opening times vary. Group tours available by arrangement.

Is Shoreham Fort free to visit?

Yes, FREE entry with donations gratefully welcomed supporting the registered charity 1147869. All proceeds fund ongoing restoration including barrack block reconstruction. The Friends of Shoreham Fort depend entirely on visitor support and grants.

What is the Land Girls Nissen Hut story?

The last useable WWI Nissen Hut in Britain was relocated to Shoreham Fort in 2014 from near Chichester where two former Land Girls had lived continuously since WWII until their deaths in late 2013. These women spent their entire adult lives preserving the humble hut which now serves as education center honouring their memory and all Land Girls service.

Can you visit the WWI trench and WWII shelter?

Yes, the memorial training trench built September 2020 honours all who trained locally before WWI French deployment. The Air Raid Shelter Experience opened September 2024 recreates 1940s civilian life during Blitz. Both offer immersive educational experiences especially valuable for school groups studying wartime Britain.

Are dogs allowed at Shoreham Fort?

Yes, dogs are most welcome and enrich the ambience according to volunteers. Water bowls available when Food for Fort café open. The beach area and grounds provide excellent dog walking. This is a dog-friendly heritage site.

Where can I park for Shoreham Fort?

The fort is located at Forthaven, eastern end of Shoreham Beach BN43 5HY at the harbour entrance. Limited parking nearby. Check directions on website before visiting. The beach location means some visitors combine fort visits with coastal walks.

How can I volunteer or support the fort?

Contact Friends of Shoreham Fort to join the Fort Family volunteer team. Work days and fundraising events welcome new participants. Donations, memberships, and attendance at events all support the ambitious restoration project creating museum and community asset from this nationally important Scheduled Ancient Monument.

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Image credit: Kinnerton