Cockham Wood Fort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cockham Wood Fort |
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| Hoo St Werburgh, Kent, England | |
Part of the surviving brickwork of the fort
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 Cockham Wood Fort
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| Coordinates | 51°24′43″N 0°33′04″E / 51.412°N 00.551°E |
| Type | Artillery fort |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Medway Ports |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1669 |
| Built by | Bernard de Gomme |
| Materials | Brick and earthworks |
| Events | Never used |
| Official name | Cockham Wood Fort |
| Reference no. | 1003362 |
Cockham Wood Fort was a strong military building. It was built in 1669 on the north bank of the River Medway in Kent, England. This fort was very important for protecting a key naval base.
Contents
Why Was Cockham Wood Fort Built?
Protecting Chatham Dockyard
For many years, Upnor Castle helped protect the important Chatham Dockyard. This dockyard was where the Royal Navy built and repaired its ships. But in 1667, something big happened. The Dutch navy launched a surprise attack on Chatham Dockyard. This event, known as the Raid on the Medway, showed that the dockyard needed stronger defenses.
A New Plan for Defense
After the Dutch raid, leaders decided to build new, more modern forts. Sir Bernard de Gomme, a skilled military engineer, designed Cockham Wood Fort. It was built quickly in 1669 to make sure such an attack could never happen again. The fort worked together with Fort Gillingham to create a strong defense system along the river.
What Was the Fort Like?
Building Materials and Design
Cockham Wood Fort was built using two main materials. The lower part of the fort was made from strong brick. On top of this brick base, there was an upper section made from earthworks. Earthworks are defenses made from piles of earth and soil. This design made the fort very sturdy and hard to attack.
Guns and Firepower
The fort was designed to hold many powerful guns. It had 21 cannons on its lower level. The upper level, made of earth, held another 20 cannons. This meant Cockham Wood Fort could fire a lot of shots at any enemy ships trying to sail up the River Medway.
Life of the Fort
Never Used in Battle
Even though it was built to defend against attacks, Cockham Wood Fort was never actually used in a real battle. Its strong presence likely helped deter any potential enemies. It stood as a silent guardian of the dockyard for many years.
Falling Apart and Abandonment
Over time, the fort slowly started to fall apart. By around 1818, it was no longer needed or kept in good repair. The fort was officially abandoned. Many parts of its structure have since crumbled away.
What Remains Today?
Today, Cockham Wood Fort is mostly in ruins. However, you can still see some parts of its original structure. The most noticeable part is the brickwork from the lower battery. This brickwork is a clear feature along the shoreline of the River Medway.
The fort is recognized as a scheduled monument. This means it is an important historical site protected by law. It is also listed on the Heritage at Risk Register, which means experts are concerned about its condition and want to make sure it is preserved for the future.
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