EThe five magazines at Chattenden were constructed between 1875 and 1878 using convict labour. The magazines, named Magazine A, B, C, D and E, were smaller versions of those constructed at Bull Point, Devonport, and could each contain 4,000 barrels of gunpowder. The 'B' Magazine is known as the torpedo shed and was altered for this use. The magazine complex was enclosed by walls which were located to prevent views into the depot. Each magazine was protected by a substantial earthwork traverse and, after subsidence during the 1880s, buttresses were added to the magazines and walls. Support buildings, including a police office, shifting house, stables and stores were constructed within the enclosure. A terrace of police houses was provided adjacent to the east side of the magazine enclosure, and has been recorded separately. The Chattenden magazine complex was connected to Chattenden Barracks and Upnor, and later to the Lodge Hill Armament Depot (Monument 1077634), by the Chattenden and Upnor Railway. During the First World War, pillboxes or sentry posts were added near each gate, and during the Second World War small gun emplacements and air raid shelters were constructed. These later features have been recorded separately. The Chattenden magazine complex has been mapped from aerial photographs as part of the English Heritage: Hoo Peninsula Landscape Project.