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Hatherwood Battery
Alum Bay, Isle of Wight, England
Hatherwood Point and Alum Bay - geograph.org.uk - 1377275.jpg
Hatherwood Point and Alum Bay
Hatherwood Battery is located in Isle of Wight
Hatherwood Battery
Hatherwood Battery
Coordinates 50°40′14″N 1°33′53″W / 50.670603°N 1.564813°W / 50.670603; -1.564813
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.

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