Bradleys Head Fortification Complex facts for kids
The Bradleys Head Fort is a historic military fort located near the Taronga Zoo in Mosman, New South Wales, Australia. This fort was built to help protect Sydney Harbour. It reminds us of a time when the colony of New South Wales started to feel more aware of its important location and valuable resources.
History of Bradleys Head Fort
Work on the Bradleys Head Fort began between 1840 and 1842. It included a special area called a gun pit where cannons would sit and fire from. There was also a firing wall, which you can see in the pictures. This wall was made from large sandstone blocks and was partly carved right out of the natural rock.
The first part of the building was overseen by Major George Barney. He was a Commanding Royal Engineer. He used workers hired by Governor Gipps, who was the leader of the colony at the time.
In 1871, the fort got bigger with an extra barracks. Barracks are buildings where soldiers live. These new barracks were also made from large sandstone blocks and carved into the headland's rock. This addition was designed by James Barnet, a famous colonial architect. The new part had three more gun pits and connecting walkways for the soldiers. This upgrade in 1871 helped make the fort stronger, along with other large forts being built around the same time.
Today, the Bradleys Head Fort is looked after by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. This group helps protect and share important places around Sydney Harbour.
Gallery
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The only entrance to the battery constructed in 1871.
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A feature inside the onsite barracks.
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One of the barrack hallways with an entry point to the innermost chamber on the right hand side.
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The innermost chamber of the barracks
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Trenches leading to gun emplacements and into the underground chambers on site.
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Large gun emplacement constructed 1840-42
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Cannon and gun emplacement constructed 1871
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Empty gun emplacement constructed 1871
