The Old Battery

The Old Battery is an artillery battery built in 1861, located at Dartmouth Castle. It was constructed on the site of Lamberds Bulwark, also known as Maiden Fort, and incorporates some masonry from the 17th or 18th century. The structure features a mix of local rubble on the landward side, but is predominantly made of snecked limestone with granite ashlar dressings. The battery has a square plan and includes casemates for three 64-pounder guns that face south-east towards the sea, with magazines located behind and some barrack accommodation. On top of the battery, there are embrasures for two additional guns, one of which has been restored on a replica traversing carriage. The other embrasure is now occupied by an octagonal painted brick emplacement for a 120mm gun, which was erected in 1940 and has a castellated parapet added to disguise it as an antiquity. The Old Battery is a notable example of a small Victorian artillery fort and is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.