List of Palmerston Forts on the Isle of Wight facts for kids

Plan of the Victorian defences of the Isle of Wight

The Palmerston Forts are a group of strong forts and buildings. They were built a long time ago, during the Victorian era. This was after a special group, called the Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom, suggested it in 1860.

These forts are named after Lord Palmerston. He was the Prime Minister at the time. He really pushed for these forts to be built.

The forts were made because people in Britain thought France might invade. But by the time they were finished, the danger had passed. This was partly because of the Franco-Prussian war in 1870. Also, new technology made the forts' guns old-fashioned very quickly. Because of this, some people called them "Palmerston's Follies." A "folly" is a costly building that serves no useful purpose.

Besides building new forts, many old defences were made stronger.

The forts on the Isle of Wight were built to protect the sea routes to places like the Solent, Southampton, and Portsmouth. They are found in three main areas: the western part of the island, the eastern part, and four forts built right in the Solent waters.

Western End Forts

A 12.5 inch gun from Cliff End Battery

These forts were built to guard the western side of the Isle of Wight. They protected the entrance to the Solent from that direction. Some of these forts are now open for visitors to explore.

Eastern End Forts

These forts were built to defend the eastern side of the island. They helped protect the Solent from attacks coming from the east. Many of these forts are also open for people to visit and learn about history.

• List of forts on the Isle of Wight

Forts in the Solent

These are special forts built right in the water of the Solent. They look like big, round islands. They were designed to stop enemy ships from getting close to the coast.

• Spitbank Fort
• St Helens Fort
• Horse Sand Fort
• No Man's Land Fort