Lord Howard's Battery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lord Howard's Battery |
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| Plymouth Devon England |
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The remains of Lord Howard's Battery, overlooked by Jennycliff Cafe
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 Lord Howard's Battery
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| Coordinates | 50°21′07″N 4°07′20″W / 50.3520°N 4.1222°W |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
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| Condition | Infilled |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1908–09 |
Lord Howard's Battery was a special place built a long time ago. It was a gun battery, which means it held big guns. These guns were there to protect an important naval base called HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, England. The battery was built between 1908 and 1909. It guarded the entrance to Plymouth Sound and Jennycliff Bay.
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What Was Lord Howard's Battery?
Lord Howard's Battery was built to keep Plymouth safe. It was finished in 1909. Its main job was to protect the entrance to Plymouth Sound. This was important because the HMNB Devonport naval base was nearby.
Guns and Their Role
When it was first built, the battery had two powerful guns. These were called BL 6-inch Mk VII guns. They were very large cannons used by the navy. These guns were taken away before World War II started.
Reopening for War
In 1941, during World War II, the battery was used again. Two new guns of the same type were put in place. These guns stayed there until the battery closed in 1946.
What Happened After the War?
After the war, Lord Howard's Battery was no longer needed for defense. It was then used as a place for caravans. People would bring their holiday trailers there.
Becoming a Public Space
Later, in the late 1900s, Plymouth City Council changed the area. They turned the battery and the land around it into a public park. This meant anyone could visit and enjoy the space.
What You Can See Today
To make it safe and nice for visitors, some changes were made. The two spots where the big guns used to sit were filled with earth. Any smaller buildings that were part of the battery were taken down.
But you can still see some parts of the old battery. You can see the concrete areas where the guns stood. There is also a concrete wall, called a parapet. Near the Jennycliff Cafe, you can find the battery's old blockhouse. This was a strong building used for protection.
