London Defence Positions

London Defence Positions

The London Defence Positions were 19th century earthworks in the south-east of England, designed to protect London from foreign invasion landing on the south coast.

The 1859 Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom report on Britain's defences believed that London was practically undefendable, but the view in the 1880s changed the emphasis to schemes based on simple earthworks for infantry and moveable armaments. The London Defence Positions were to be earthworks to be thrown up in time of war, but backed up with magazines at 5 mile (8 km) intervals.

They were built along a 70 mile (113 km) stretch of the North Downs from Guildford to the Darenth valley. Thirteen sites were chosen, at Pewley Hill, Henley Grove, Denbies, Box Hill, Betchworth, Reigate, East Merstham, Fosterdown, Woldingham, Betsoms Hill, Halstead, Farningham and North Weald. The design of each site varied, but they were never very elaborate, just a magazine and storehouses for the mobilisation of troops, with limited defences. Related stores were set up at Tilbury, Warley and possibly Caterham. They were quickly viewed as obsolete, and all were sold off in 1907, with the exception of Fort Halstead, now the MoD's explosives research department.

At Guildford, houses have been built on the Pewley Hill site, but Henley Fort, Guildford, England (aka Henley Grove) has been well preserved as a youth education centre. It could be seen on a Heritage Open Day.

Reigate Fort

Reigate Fort has been owned by the National Trust since 1932. The structure was falling into disrepair, but grant money from the Biffaward, the Heritage Lottery Grant and the National Trust itself has enabled the Trust to restore the building.

As well as the restoration, information boards are being installed to tell visitors about the buildings. A website and teacher packs are also under development.

The first phase of the repairs was carried out in 2000 and was funded by a grant of £104,000 from the Biffaward. The latest phase, due to be completed early next year , will cost £174,000. The fort will then be opened and visitors will be able to explore the site free of charge.

ee also

*Fortifications of London
*Outer London Defence Ring - the idea revived in World War II

External links

* [http://www.palmerstonforts.org.uk/redan/mobil.htm London Mobilisation Centres - Gazeteer] (includes map)


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Outer London Defence Ring — Coordinates: 51°30′00″N 0°07′34″W / 51.500°N 0.126°W / 51.500; 0.126 The Outer London Defence Ring was a defensi …   Wikipedia

  • Fortifications of London — The fortifications of London are extensive and mostly well maintained, though many of Inner London s fortifications and defences were dismantled in the 17th and 18th century. Many of those that remain are tourist attractions, most notably the… …   Wikipedia

  • Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom — In 1859 Lord Palmerston instigated the Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom because of serious concerns that France might attempt to invade the UK. The recent period had seen great improvements in gunnery (with RML and RBL… …   Wikipedia

  • Defence Equipment and Support — DE S headquarters, Abbey Wood, Bristol …   Wikipedia

  • Defence, Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee — The Defence, Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee is the British advisory body which issues DA Notices. The secretary is a former two star military officer employed from a Ministry of Defence budget and is housed by them (although… …   Wikipedia

  • Rugby union positions — A normal rugby union team formation illustrating each of the positions and their respective numbers. In the game rugby union, there are fifteen players on each team, comprising eight forwards (numbered 1 to 8) and seven backs (numbered 9 to 15).… …   Wikipedia

  • Australian Defence Force — Australian Defence Force …   Wikipedia

  • Ulster Defence Regiment — CGC Regimental badge Active 1970 1992 Country …   Wikipedia

  • Association football positions — For typical field formations, see Formation (association football). Modern player positions. A second striker (SS) is often employed instead of the centre forward (CF). In the sport of association football, each of the eleven players on a team is …   Wikipedia

  • Sicilian Defence — a b c d e f …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”