Fort Scratchley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Scratchley |
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| Newcastle East, New South Wales | |
Fort Scratchley (on hilltop) viewed from Nobbys Beach
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Fort Scratchley in 2011.
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 Fort Scratchley
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| Coordinates | 32°55′40″S 151°47′26″E / 32.92768°S 151.79045°E |
| Type | Coastal defence installation |
| Height | 30 m (98 ft) |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Newcastle City Council |
| Controlled by | Australia |
| Open to the public |
Wednesday - Monday (closed Tuesday) (10am - 4pm) |
| Condition | Restored |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1882 |
| In use | 1882–1972 |
| Battles/wars | Shelling of Newcastle 1942 |
Fort Scratchley is an old fort in Newcastle East, Australia. It was built in 1882 to protect the city from attacks. Today, it is a popular museum.
The fort's guns were first used on 8 June 1942. This happened during the shelling of Newcastle by a Japanese submarine. The Australian Army stopped using the fort in 1972.
Contents
What is Fort Scratchley?
Fort Scratchley sits on top of Flagstaff Hill. It looks out over the Tasman Sea and the Hunter River. The fort is less than 1 km (0.6 mi) from Newcastle's city center. It is located between Newcastle and Nobbys beaches.
The fort was built in a very important spot. It could guard the entrance to the Hunter River. This made it perfect for coastal defense.
Fort Renovations and Reopening
In 2004, Fort Scratchley closed for big repairs. The city wanted to make it a major tourist spot. The Australian Government helped pay for the work. They saw the fort as a special part of Australia's military past.
The fort reopened in June 2008. A new museum inside the fort opened in 2009. Now, visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history.
History of Fort Scratchley
How the Fort Began
Flagstaff Hill is where coal was first found in the late 1700s. Lieutenant John Shortland discovered coal there. Later, in 1843, the army took over the land.
Plans for a full fort started after 1870. People in Newcastle worried about a possible attack from Russia. The fort was finally finished in 1882. By then, Japan had become the new concern.
Early Guns and Design
The fort was completed on 2 April 1882. It was designed by Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Scratchley. The fort was named after him. It first had three large 9-inch guns. It also had four 80-pounder guns.
Later, in 1889, new guns were added. These included three 6-inch guns and one 8-inch disappearing gun. Disappearing guns could hide below ground after firing.
In 1898, the 80-pounder guns were replaced. Faster Nordenfelt machine guns took their place. In 1911, two modern 6-inch guns replaced the disappearing guns.
Fort Scratchley During World War I
During World War I, the fort was improved. A special building was added in 1914. This building helped soldiers watch for enemy ships.
Fort Scratchley During World War II
The fort was upgraded even more during World War II. More watch posts and blast walls were built in 1942.
On 8 June 1942, the fort's guns fired for the first time. Two 6-inch guns shot at the Japanese submarine I-21. This submarine was attacking Newcastle.
After World War II
After World War II, the army continued to use the fort. It was home to different army units. The army finally left Fort Scratchley in November 1972.
The two 6-inch guns were moved to a park as a memorial. But people wanted them back at the fort. So, in 1978, the guns were returned to Fort Scratchley.
In the early 2000s, the fort had a big renovation. It reopened as a museum. In 2014, TV presenter Sir Tony Robinson visited the fort. He filmed a part for his show Tour of Duty.
In 2015, one of the old Nordenfelt guns was fixed. It can now be fired on special days.
Fort Scratchley Cannons
Some cannons from Fort Scratchley were moved to other places. Two 68-pounder cannons are now in Stroud, New South Wales. An 8-inch disappearing gun was sent for training. Other cannons were moved to different army sites.
The two 6-inch guns were taken out of service in 1965. They became monuments at Obelisk Hill. In 1978, they came back to the fort. The Fort Scratchley Historical Society fixed them in 1992. Now, they can be fired on special occasions.
One of the Nordenfelt guns was removed in 1910. The other two left in the 1930s. One Nordenfelt gun came back to the fort in 1985. It was fixed in 2015 and can also be fired on special days.
Engineering History
Fort Scratchley has been recognized for its engineering. It received an Engineering Heritage Marker from Engineers Australia. This award is part of their program to honor important engineering sites.
Images for kids
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Fort Scratchley (on hilltop) viewed from Nobbys Beach
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Fort Scratchley in 2011.
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Fort Scratchley, 1890 (photographer Ralph Snowball)
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Fort Scratchley, showing the dry moat that surrounds part of the structure
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Tents at Fort Scratchley, Newcastle, New South Wales, 4 April 1903
