PORTLAND CASTLE

Dorset

Portland Castle, Dorset

Unlike its compatriot on the mainland at Sandsfoot, Portland Castle is quite unmistakably the work of Henry VIII.  It has all the hallmarks of his coastal Forts, low-lying, rounded, designed with cannon in mind.  Portland is, in fact, one of the best preserved of the Forts.  This is partly due to its position, slap bang in the middle of the Royal Naval Dockyard of Portland, meaning it has been pressed into service on numerous occasions.  The Navy only handing it over to the Department of Works in relatively recent times.

It is not a large example of a Henrican Fort, but nevertheless withstood several attacks during the Civil War, which its counterpart Sandsfoot fell victim to.

Today it is owned by English Heritage and open during the Summer months; and still, occasionally seems to be standing sentinel over what remains of England's Navy.

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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Web Design and Layout - Andrew J. Müller
2002

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