Grey Point Fort facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grey Point Fort
Helen's Bay, County Down, Northern Ireland
Rear view of Grey Point Fort showing the two gun positions on either side of the central magazine area.
Site information
Controlled by	Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Intact
Site history
Built	1904-1907
Built by	W J Campbell and Son, Belfast
In use	Preserved: State Care Monument of Northern Ireland
Materials	Concrete Earth

Grey Point Fort is an old military fort located at Helen's Bay. This spot is on the south side of Belfast Lough in Northern Ireland. The fort was built to help protect the important city of Belfast from attacks by sea.

Building the Fort

Building Grey Point Fort started in 1904. By 1907, the big guns were ready and placed in position. This fort and another one across the Lough at Kilroot were important new defences. They were even mentioned in a special report called the Owen Report in 1905.

Fort's Big Guns

The fort was armed with two large 6-inch Mark VII Breech Loading guns. These were powerful cannons designed to fire shells at enemy ships. A "breech loading" gun means it was loaded from the back, which was faster and safer.

Grey Point Fort During Wartime

Grey Point Fort played a role in both the First and Second World Wars. It was an important part of the coastal defence system.

First World War Use

During the First World War, more buildings were added to the fort. These new buildings provided places for soldiers to live. Many of these soldiers were part of "Kitchener's Army." This was a large group of volunteer soldiers who joined up early in the war. After the war, the fort continued to be used. In 1936, two large searchlights were installed. These lights helped spot enemy ships at night.

Second World War Use

When the Second World War began, the fort was staffed by a group called the Territorial Army. This was a part-time military force made up of volunteers. The unit stationed here was the 525th (Antrim) Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. To make the gun positions safer, concrete covers were built over them. This protected the soldiers and guns from air attacks.

After the Second World War ended, the fort was still maintained. In 1954, a mobile radar system was installed. This radar helped detect ships and aircraft from a distance.

After the Wars

In 1956, the use of coastal artillery was stopped. Because of this, Grey Point Fort was disarmed, meaning its guns were removed.

Guns Return to the Fort

Many years later, between 1992 and 1996, the fort got its original type of guns back. These guns came from other old forts in Cork, Ireland. One gun came from Fort Mitchel on Spike Island, County Cork. The other came from Fort Davis, County Cork.

The Fort Today

Since 2008, Grey Point Fort has been open to the public. It is now looked after by the Grey Point Amateur Radio Society. They help people learn about the fort's history and its role in protecting Belfast.

A 6-inch Breech Loading gun at Grey Point Fort, similar to the ones originally used.