Fort Purbrook

Fort Purbrook is the easternmost of a series of Palmerston forts built in the 1860s that surround the Portsmouth naval base at a distance of 3 to 5 miles. The fort is located on the east-west chalk ridge of Portsdown Hill and features a polygonal shape with a deep ditch on the outer faces, which is lined with brick walls. Inside, there are brick-lined tunnels and staircases that provide access to rifle parapets, gun emplacements, ammunition stores, and a central assembly ground that forms an earthen platform.

On the south side, there is a central triangular barrack block that includes two tiers of casemates on the outer faces, flanked by plain walling with entrances on each side. The external face of the barrack block is made of red brickwork and has a series of narrow openings. The gateways feature 'Norman' arches with roll mouldings and two recessed columns with cushion caps, all crafted from stone. The fort has seen little alteration over the years and was never used to defend against a landward assault from the north. It is designated as an Ancient Monument.