New Tavern Fort

TQ 6574 SW 2/89 5277

GRAVESEND New Tavern Fort

II*

There have been artillery fortifications at Gravesend since the Mid Tudor Period but the earliest development of this site as part of the Thames defences against attack by sea began in 1778, prompted by the threat posed by the American War of Independence. Little trace above ground of these earlier works survives. In 1860 there was a Royal Commission Report on Coastal defences and work began at Gravesend in 1869. From this period are 3 open emplacements for 9 inch rifled nuzzle loading runs along the East face, built of stock brick with cambered brick arches and an unusual form of open emplacements with a heavy wrought-iron casement shield. Connecting with these is an underground brick network of shell and cartridge stores and a main magazine with shell stores. C.1905 2 concrete emplacements for 6 inch breach loading guns were established on part of North side of the fort and 2 bomb-proof shelters were built into the backs of the C19 gun emplacements.

Listing NGR: TQ6529574231