History

Situated a mile off the Portsmouth coast, Spitbank Fort is one of four Napoleonic forts that dominate the Solent.

Authorised for construction in 1860, the forts were built to protect the approaches to Portsmouth from an invasion by Napolean III. Although work commenced in 1867, this wasn’t completed until 1878. These forts have never fired a shot in anger and are more commonly known as the 'Palmerston Follies'.

Throughout the Government's 100 years of ownership, Spitbank Fort underwent several enhancements in response to various threats from the continent, including updates in military technology such as searchlights, anti-aircraft defences and more efficient guns.

At its base the first stones for Spitbank Fort lie 17ft below the low water mark. At this point Spitbank Fort is 162 feet in diameter, narrowing to 146ft at the top. At its base, the walls of Spitbank Fort are 15ft thick.

Spitbank offers its own fresh water supply by means of its own artesian well. The well, dug 401 feet below sea level can produce 1400 gallons per hour and is still used today to provide the water supply.

Spitbank has armour plating on its seaward side it is no mean feat of engineering.  The seaward side was originally armed with nine 12.5 inch muzzle loading guns, which were replaced in 1884 with more modern 12-inch breech-loading guns and these remained in service until after World War I.

The fort was declared surplus to requirements in 1962 but was only sold by the Ministry of Defence in 1982. Since then the fort has been privately owned and has gone through many guises before finally coming to rest in the creatively sympathetic hands of Amazing Retreats where we intend to lovingly transform the fort into a unique luxury venue like no other!