Fort Grange

MILITARY ROAD 1. 5232 Fort Grange SU 50 SE 1/80 II 2. Circa 1860. One of a series of forts, and virtually identical with Forts Brockhurst and Rowner. A polygonal fort, 6-sided and symmetrical, formerly surrounded by 2 moats, of which only part of the inner one around the keep survives. The 2 outer lines make a very obtuse angle, at which point a caponier projects; this has a series of rifle loops above 3 gun casemates, facing the line of the former moat. The north-west and south-west shoulders are approached by ramps from a central position; at these points caponiers face the moat of the flanks. From the flanks small barrack ranges follow the lines of the gorge, continuing as a high wall across the moat of the keep. The general section of the main lines had a moat and then an earthen rampart supported at the rear by storage casemates, still intact; the top had open gun emplacements with interior sunken and vaulted expense magazines. The flanks are of 2-storeys, with Haxo casemates above a series of ground level casemates. The circular 'keep of last resort' is surrounded by a moat; the outer face has gun loops and several rifle loops, some within small caponiers. The centre of the keep is a circular courtyard with a 2-storeyed barrack elevation; a roadway passes along the axis, crossing the moat (now partly filled) via drawbridges, and has round-arched portals. The high earthwork above the keep provided gun emplacements, capable of firing across the parade. There are many surviving details and the main structure is intact; however, earthworks have been reduced and much of the moat filled in.

Listing NGR: SU5870301371