Fort Efford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Efford |
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| Plymouth Devon England |
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 Fort Efford
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| Coordinates | 50°23′21″N 4°06′36″W / 50.389167°N 4.11°W |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Plymouth City Council |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Condition | Overgrown, partly derelict |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1863-1868 |
| Materials | Earth Masonry |
Fort Efford is an old fort from the 1800s. It was built to protect the city of Plymouth in England. This fort was part of a big plan to defend the important Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport, Plymouth. Many forts like this were built around the same time. They are often called Palmerston Forts. This name comes from the Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, who supported building them.
Contents
Why Was Fort Efford Built?
Fort Efford was built between 1863 and 1868. It was created because of a special report. This report was called the Royal Commission on National Defence of 1859. The report suggested that Britain needed stronger defenses. Especially for important places like naval dockyards.
Protecting Plymouth's Dockyard
The main goal of Fort Efford was to protect Plymouth. It guarded the land areas to the northeast of the city. This was crucial for keeping the Royal Naval Dockyard safe. The dockyard was a very important place for building and repairing navy ships.
How Was Fort Efford Designed and Used?
Captain Edmund Frederick Du Cane designed Fort Efford. He later became a Major General. The fort was first built by a company called George Baker and Company. Later, the Royal Engineers finished the construction.
Fort's Defenses
Fort Efford was armed with 21 guns. Some of these guns helped protect the nearby Laira Battery. A barrack block was built inside the fort. This building could house five officers and 108 soldiers. It was where the fort's garrison (the soldiers stationed there) lived.
In the 1890s, a special shed was added. It was built on the parade ground. This shed held two large 5-inch Breech Loading guns. These were powerful weapons for their time.
What Happened to the Fort?
By the early 1900s, Fort Efford was no longer needed for defense. Military technology had changed a lot. The fort's design became outdated. So, its guns were removed.
Later Uses and Current Status
During the Second World War, the fort was used for storage. It held ammunition for the war effort. In 1961, the War Office sold the fort.
Fort Efford was given a special status in 2003. It became a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historic building. It is protected from major changes. For many years, the Showman's Guild has used the fort for storage. This group represents people who run funfairs and circuses.
