Monument MPM40 - Spitbank Fort

One of three sea forts constructed in the Solent between 1861 and 1880 to defend the dockyard and anchorage at Spithead against attack from ironclad warships (a fourth fort was constructed off St Helens on the Isle of Wight). Construction on Spitbank started in 1867 and was completed in 1878. The role of the forts changed from the 1890s onwards to defence against attacks from light forces, such as fast torpedo boats. They were taken out of service after the Second World War. Spitbank was restored during the 1980s and opened to the public. It is now a luxury hotel.

Circular sea fort designed by Captain E H Steward built between 1867 and 1878. Spit Bank was one of three forts constructed in the Solent between 1861 and 1880 to defend the dockyard and anchorage at Spithead against attack from ironclad warships (a fourth sea fort was constructed off St Helens on the Isle of Wight). Spitbank is the smallest of the forts measuring 162ft at the sea bed and 146ft at the top. It is armoured on the side which faces the open sea. The fort has three floors comprising a basement (stores and ammunition), gun floor and roof.

During the late-19th and early 20th century the role of the forts evolved from guarding against heavily armed warships to defending the anchorage at Spithead against attacks from light forces, such as fast torpedo boats. As a result they were armed with roof mounted 6" and 4.7" guns by the time of the First World War. The forts armament was not updated between the First and Second World Wars and during the latter it consisted of 6" guns, light machine guns, and a single 3" gun. The forts were taken out of service after the war and were put up for sale. Spitbank was restored during the 1980s and opened to the public. It is now a luxury hotel.

Mitchell, Garr et al, 1986, Spit Bank and the Spithead Forts (Bibliographic reference). SPM540.

Portsmouth City Council, n/a, Portsmouth City SMR Cards, SZ69NW39 (Index). SPM1.