Fort Rowner

MILITARY ROAD 1. 5232 Fort Rowner SU 50 SE 1/79 II 2. Circa 1860. One of a series of polygonal fortresses; virtually identical with Forts Brockhurst and Grange (which lie on either side along the defence line). A symmetrical 6-sided polygon, the 2 outer lines making a very obtuse angle, at which point a caponier (with rifle loops above triple gun casemates) projects into the moat, facing in each direction. The shoulders (north and south-west angles) have caponiers covering each flank. The gorge starts from the flanks as lower barrack blocks, but continues as a wall, which crosses the moat of the keep. From a central position 2 ramps lead to the shoulders. The general section of the main battery comprises a covered way, walled water-filled moat (of more than 100 ft width) and earthen rampart supported at the rear by storage casemates. The top of the rampart has open gun emplacements with intermediate sunken and vaulted expense magazines. The section through the flank batteries have Haxo case- mates above a series of ground level casemates, with the loopholes protected by outer earthworks (partly eroded). The centre of the gorge is marked by a circular 'keep of last resort', surrounded by a moat. The outer part has casemates with small caponiers (with rifle loops only) pro- jecting into the moat. The inner part is a 2-storeyed barracks, facing a circular courtyard. A roadway passes along the axis of the keep (and of the fort), crossing the moats via drawbridges, having on each face a granite round-arched portal. The keep is surmounted by a high earthwork, which carried open-gun emplacements, allowing for fire across the parade. The structure of the fort is generally in red brickwork, with granite surrounds to the main openings. There are many surviving details (iron railings, steps, chimneys etc), the whole structure being virtually intact, with only a few losses and some erosion of the earthworks. There are some brick and timber butments, of recent date, within the parade.

Listing NGR: SU5940401178