About Spitbank Fort
One of four sea forts on the shoals of the Solent, Spitbank was authorised for construction in 1860, with the first stone set in 1867 and completed eleven years later in 1878. The fort was handed over to the War Department in 1879. The Solent Forts, often known as "Palmerston's Follies", were built in response to a French invasion scare under Louis Napoleon III.
“It’s not every day you get to buy a manmade island with privacy, security and space, with 50 rooms steeped in military history and some of the finest panoramic views in the UK” - Mike Clare
Spitbank is larger than St Helens Fort, but smaller than the two main Solent forts; Horse Sand Fort and No Mans Land Fort. Its main purpose was as a further line of defence for ships that made it past the two main forts.
Spitbank Fort is 162 feet in diameter across at its base, with one floor and a basement and has armour plating on the seaward side. The seaward side was originally armed with nine 12.5 inch muzzle loading guns, which were replaced in 1884 with more modern 12-inch breechloading guns and these remained in service until after World War I.
The actual build cost was £167,300, but it has been estimated that its reinstatement value would be in the region of £130 million. The existing museum room at Spitbank is to be maintained and will follow the life of the Fort since 1860.
