Scheduled Monument: Sheerness Defences (1005145)

Authority English Heritage
Date assigned 15 March 1977
Date last amended 31 March 1989

Description

Garrison Point Fort: on extreme NW tip of land covering entrance to Medway. Built following 1860 Royal Commission report. Casemated fort for 36 heavy guns in two tiers protected by iron shields. Outer face is of granite and the walls and piers are 14.5 ft thick. Internally fort is more or less complete except for hoists. Modern gun emplacements on roof and later structures in Parade. Radar tower built in 1962 on south side. The defences of the gorge and of the approaches from the north are entrusted to the NE Sheerness Lines. The gorge is taken up by extensive barracks etc. with little flank defence. 17th Century Defences: surviving portion of late 17th century fortifications designed by Sir Bernard de Gomme. Stretch if indented trace east of Garrison Point Fort. Largely faced in Portland ashlar to cordon. The brick parapet is later and together with the rampart had been remodelled and mutilated by 19th century gun positions. At three angles are moulded corbels which carried sentry boxes. Sheerness Lines: part of the lines of bastioned earthworks enclosed the enlarge dockyards and Blue Town. Constructed in 1780 and 1796 replacing the late 17th century defences. Ramparts unrevetted except within the area of the wet moat. The half bastion and curtain south of road in good condition with well preserved profile – banquette, ramps, etc. NE lines facing seawards have been much altered in the 19th century and later. General plan preserved including such features as a teraille.

External Links (0)

Sources (1)

  • Scheduling record: English Heritage. Register of Scheduled Monuments.

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred TQ 9124 7523 (954m by 712m)
Map sheet TQ97NW
Civil Parish SHEERNESS, SWALE, KENT
County KENT
District SWALE, KENT

Related Monuments/Buildings (6)

Record last edited

Jul 17 2012 11:09AM