New Tavern Fort

New Tavern Fort in Gravesend is a historic artillery fortification that has been part of the Thames defenses since the late 18th century, specifically beginning in 1778 due to the threat from the American War of Independence. Although little of the earlier fortifications remains visible above ground, significant developments occurred following a Royal Commission Report on coastal defenses in 1860, with construction starting in 1869.

The fort features three open emplacements for 9-inch rifled muzzle-loading guns along its east face, constructed from stock brick and characterized by cambered brick arches and a distinctive heavy wrought-iron casement shield. Additionally, there is an underground network of brick shell and cartridge stores, along with a main magazine for shell storage. Around 1905, two concrete emplacements for 6-inch breach-loading guns were added to the northern side of the fort, along with two bomb-proof shelters integrated into the backs of the 19th-century gun emplacements.