(centred TQ 762 660) Fort Luton [NAT] (1)
Constructed after 1860 and completed by the middle of the 1890's, Luton was the smallest of the Chatham ring forts (TQ 76 NE 398), which were built in a half-ring two miles outside Chatham. Situated astride the valley whose mouth contains Chatham itself. An irregular pentagon in plan with a narrow deep ditch, flint revetted. The barracks and magazines are arranged across the interior moulded under chalk rubble. All the brick is cement rendered except for two moulded courses. No ironwork remains but otherwise in fair condition. These forts were out of date, due to improved gunnery, almost as soon as they were built. The last major work of traditional forifications in the country. Owned by Kent County Council, who plan to open it to the public. Scheduled. (2-4)
A museum, in private ownership (1994) [5].
See also possible prehistoric remains found during the construction of the fort (TQ 76 NE 33).

<1> OS 1:10000 1981 (OS Card Reference). SKE48167.

<2> DOE(IAM) Record Form 01.07.71 (OS Card Reference). SKE41432.

<3> Post Md Arch 10 1976 110-115 (OS Card Reference). SKE48531.

<4> Handbook of Kent Defences 1540-1945 1977 (D Bennett) 10-12 (OS Card Reference). SKE43663.

<5> Victor Smith and Ron Crowdy, 1994, From Tudor Rose to Mushroom Cloud. The Gazetter of Defence Heritage Sites in the Kentish Part of the Thames Gateway. An Overview (Unpublished document). SKE12458.

<6> Kent Defence Research Group, c. 1993, Kent Defence Research Group 'Fort Logs' (Unpublished document). SKE52251.