Fort Grange

Fort Grange is one of the Palmerston Forts, in Gosport, England. After Gomer and Elson forts had been approved in 1852, further consideration led to a decision to fill the gap between them by three more forts, and Grange is the most southerly of the three. Work began in 1858 and it was completed in 1863.

Fort Grange
TypePalmerston Fort
LocationGosport
Coordinates50°47′55″N 1°09′45″W
OS grid referenceSU 59128 00221
AreaHampshire
Built1858–1863
ArchitectWilliam Crossman
OwnerMinistry of Defence
Listed Building – Grade II
Official nameFort Grange, Gosport
Designated20 Apr 1983
Reference no.1233816
Location of Fort Grange in Hampshire

Built as part of the outer defence line for Gosport along with Fort Brockhurst, Fort Elson and Fort Rowner to the North East and Fort Gomer to the South West. In 1914 23 (Siege) Company Royal Garrison Artillery was based at the Fort. It was used to create number 3 and 4 Siege Batteries Royal Garrison Artillery.[1]

The fort is a Grade II Listed Building[2] and is virtually identical with Forts Brockhurst and Rowner.[3]

In 1917, the Fort Grange Aerodrome became the home to Robert Smith-Barry's School of Special Flying.[4]

There are many surviving details and the main structure is intact, however the earthworks have been much reduced and much of the moat is infilled. In 1916 it was armed with a 1-pounder heavy anti aircraft gun on a travelling carriage.[5] The fort was used as a military headquarters from 1910 and was derelict by 1983. In 1984 Fort Grange became the home of HMS Sultan Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps, and continues to fulfil this role today.

References
  1. Rinaldi, Richard A, 2008. Order of Battle of the British Army 1914, Ravi Rikhye, p274
  2. Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1233816)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  3. British Listed Buildings
  4. "Gosport re-union". Flight. 14 July 1938. p. 44.
  5. Historic England. "Monument No. 234447". PastScape. Retrieved 29 September 2015.

Bibliography
  • Hogg, Ian V (1974). Coast Defences of England and Wales 1856-1956. David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153 6353-0.
  • Moore, David (1990). Fort Brockhurst and the Gomer-Elson Forts. Gosport: Solent Papers. ISBN 0951323431.


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