Knowles Battery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Knowles Battery |
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Rear gorge wall and gateway to Knowles Battery
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 Knowles Battery
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| Coordinates | 50°24′59″N 4°09′52″W / 50.41639°N 4.16444°W |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Condition | Partially demolished |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1863-1870 |
| In use | Now part of a school |
| Materials | Earth Masonry |
Knowles Battery is an old fort built in the 1800s. It was part of a big plan to protect important places in Britain. This plan was especially focused on defending the Royal Naval Dockyard in Plymouth. Today, this historic site is part of a school.
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What is Knowles Battery?
Knowles Battery is a former fort from the 19th century. It was built between 1863 and 1870. The fort was part of a large defense project. This project was known as the Palmerston Forts. These forts were named after the Prime Minister at the time, Lord Palmerston. He strongly supported building them.
Why Was it Built?
The fort was built because a special group, called the Royal Commission on National Defence, decided Britain needed better defenses. This happened in 1859. The main goal of Knowles Battery was to protect the land around Plymouth. It guarded the north-east side of the city. This was important for keeping the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport safe. The dockyard was a vital place for the navy.
How it Was Designed and Used
Captain Edmund Frederick Du Cane designed Knowles Battery. He later became a Major General. The fort was built by George Baker and Company. Later, the Royal Engineers finished the work. Knowles Battery was planned to hold thirteen large guns. These guns would work together with nearby forts. It could fire alongside Woodland Fort and Agaton Fort. This created a strong line of defense.
From Fort to School
By the early 1900s, the fort was no longer needed for defense. Its design had become old-fashioned. So, its guns were removed. The War Department sold the fort in 1930. In the 1960s, a school was built on the site. Knowles Battery was recognized as a special historic building in 1973. It was given a Grade II listing. This means it is an important building that should be protected. Today, it is part of Knowle Primary School.
