Fort Darnet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Darnet |
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| Medway, Kent, England | |
Fort Darnet in the River Medway
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 Fort Darnet
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| Coordinates | 51°24′25″N 0°35′47″E / 51.40681°N 0.5964°E |
| Type | Palmerston Fort |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Medway Ports |
| Condition | Intact |
| Site history | |
| Built | 19th century |
| Built by | Captain Siborne, R.E., |
| Materials | Concrete skirts and brickwork |
| Events | Never used |
| Official name | Fort Darnet, Darnet Ness |
| Designated | 1 November 1963 |
| Reference no. | 1019642 |
Fort Darnet is an old fortress built on an island in the River Medway, Kent, England. It was constructed a long time ago to help protect the country. This fort, along with its twin, Hoo Fort, was part of a big plan to defend the important naval base at Chatham.
Contents
Fort Darnet: A River Fortress
Protecting the Medway River
In 1859, a special group called the Royal Commission looked at how to defend the United Kingdom. They suggested building new forts. Fort Darnet and Hoo Fort were part of this plan. They were placed on islands in the River Medway. Their job was to guard Pinup Reach, which was the main path for ships.
Building the Fort
Work on Fort Darnet began in 1870 and finished in 1872. The fort was first planned to have two levels of guns, arranged in a circle. There were also ideas to stretch a large chain, called a boom, across the river between the forts. This boom would stop enemy ships.
However, there were many problems during construction. The ground was sinking, which made building difficult. Because of these issues and high costs, the fort was finished with only one level of guns. It had 11 guns in total. These included eight large 9-inch guns and three 7-inch guns. These were special guns that loaded from the front. The river boom was never put in place. The fort was designed to hold about 100 soldiers.
What Happened Next?
Fort Darnet was used for practicing shooting with its guns. But in 1879, one of the guns broke inside its protected room. This was reported in a local newspaper.
The forts were never actually used in a real battle. They were taken out of service before the First World War began. During the Second World War, Fort Darnet was used as a lookout spot. Platforms and small concrete shelters, called pillboxes, were built on top of it.
Fort Darnet Today
Today, Fort Darnet is still in good condition. However, the lower level, where ammunition was stored, is now flooded. People can visit the island by boat. The landing area can be quite muddy.
Up until the 1980s, the island was a popular spot for picnics and other fun activities. Fort Darnet is protected by law as an Ancient Monument. This means it is an important historical site that must be preserved.
Images for kids
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Fort Darnet
