SANDSFOOT CASTLE

Dorset

Despite its appearances, Sandsfoot Castle was one of the two built by Henry VIII to protect Portland Harbour.  It stands on the mainland end of the harbour, Portland Castle stands on the Isle of Portland itself.

The reason this doesn't look much like one of Henry's Forts is because it is actually the remains of the residential forebuilding, the actual tower - which was a little like the one at Calshot in Hampshire - has long since dropped into the sea.  By that time it was already a ruin, because Sandsfoot put up quite a fight in the Civil War in 1646 and was smashed up by the Roundheads before being left to the attentions of the sea.

The rather sorry chunk that remains stands in a small public park, but gives some wonderful views of Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland.

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2002