Image: Reigate Fort - geograph.org.uk - 1143457

Description: Reigate Fort. One of thirteen mobilisation centres built in the 1890s along the line of the North Downs, when concern over the ability of the British Navy to protect the coastline led to fear of a possible invasion, particularly from the French who were building up their naval strength at the time. Although known as forts, their primary purpose was as depots to supply troops with entrenching equipment and munitions in the event of invasion. However they were surrounded by banks and trenches (see 1143490 and 1143494) so they could be used as defensive positions if needed. It was decommissioned in 1906, and has been owned by the National Trust since 1932. It was used by Canadian troops in the second world war, and was for many years used by the scout movement for camps. In 2001, it was scheduled as a National Monument. It has recently been restored, including the felling of trees that had grown across the site, and since 2007 has been open for public access. In the photo can be seen the Toolshed (see 1143467), the Magazine (see 1143472 and the two Casemates (see 1143473).
Title: Reigate Fort - geograph.org.uk - 1143457
Credit: From geograph.org.uk
Author: Ian Capper
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
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