Hatherwood Battery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hatherwood Battery |
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| Alum Bay, Isle of Wight, England | |
Hatherwood Point and Alum Bay
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 Hatherwood Battery
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| Coordinates | 50°40′14″N 1°33′53″W / 50.670603°N 1.564813°W |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | ruin |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1869 |
| In use | 1869-1903, 1940-1943 |
| Materials | Earth, Concrete |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Hatherwood Battery is an old military fort located near Alum Bay on the Isle of Wight. It was built to protect the island from possible attacks. This battery is one of many called Palmerston Forts. These forts were built across Britain because people worried about a French invasion.
Hatherwood Battery was placed so its guns could work with the nearby Needles Battery. Together, they could create a strong defense.
Building Hatherwood Battery
Work on Hatherwood Battery started in 1865. It was first planned to hold six large guns. These were called 68 Pounder guns.
However, before the fort was finished, the plans changed. It was decided to have seven guns instead. These guns were set up in three groups. Two large 9-inch guns were placed on each side. Three 7-inch guns were in the middle.
The battery was fully built and ready by 1869.
Soldiers at the Battery
Interestingly, there were no living quarters for soldiers at Hatherwood Battery itself. The soldiers who worked there stayed at a nearby fort. This fort was called Golden Hill Fort.
In 1903, the battery was officially taken out of service. This means its guns were removed, and it was no longer used for defense. It was, however, used again briefly during World War II from 1940 to 1943.
What Hatherwood Battery Looks Like Today
Today, not much of Hatherwood Battery remains. It has been left to fall apart over time. Some parts of the old fort have even fallen off the cliff. This is due to natural erosion from the sea and weather.
