Penlee Battery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Penlee Battery |
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| Rame Head Cornwall England |
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| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1889-92 |
| In use | 1892-1956 |
| Materials | Concrete Earth |
| Demolished | Mostly filled in |
Penlee Battery is a special place on the coast of Cornwall, England. It's now a beautiful nature reserve. This spot is found on Penlee Point, which is part of the Rame Peninsula in southeast Cornwall.
This area was once a very important military site. It had big guns to protect the coast. Today, it's a peaceful place where you can explore nature. It even has a hidden beach that appears when the tide is low.
Contents
Discovering Penlee Battery's Past
Penlee Battery was built a long time ago, between 1889 and 1892. It was designed to protect the important naval port of Plymouth. This area was a key part of Britain's coastal defences.
What Guns Protected Penlee Battery?
When it was first built, Penlee Battery had some powerful weapons. It started with two large 6-inch guns. It also had an even bigger gun, a 13.5-inch gun. This huge gun was the largest one used in the Plymouth defences at that time. Imagine how big that gun must have been!
During both World War I and World War II, the battery's guns were updated. It was then armed with three powerful 9.2-inch guns. These guns played a vital role in protecting the coastline during wartime.
What Happened to the Battery?
After 1956, the need for coastal artillery in the United Kingdom changed. The battery was no longer needed for defence. So, the military removed its guns. Many parts of the battery were taken apart. Some of the gun positions were even filled in during the 1970s.
Today, you can still see some parts of the old battery. One of the original 6-inch gun positions is still there. The underground rooms, called magazines, where ammunition was stored, are also still present. However, they are now filled in.
Penlee Battery: A Nature Haven
Even though Penlee Battery was once a military site, it's now a wonderful place for nature. It has become a nature reserve. This means it's a protected area for plants and animals.
Amazing Dragonfly Discovery
Penlee Battery is famous among people who love dragonflies. In 1998, something very exciting happened here. Britain's very first Green Darner dragonfly was found at Penlee Battery! This was a huge discovery because this type of dragonfly is usually found in North America. It likely flew across the Atlantic Ocean!
This special discovery shows how important Penlee Battery is for wildlife. It's a great spot to see different kinds of insects and enjoy the natural beauty of the Cornish coast.
