Stack Rock Fort facts for kids
Stack Rock Fort is a cool old fort built on a tiny island. You can find it in the Milford Haven Waterway in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was first built between 1850 and 1852 with three guns. Later, in 1859, it got a big upgrade. A new building was put around the original fort. Today, it's a special historic building, protected by law as a Grade II* listed building and a Scheduled Monument.
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History of Stack Rock Fort
People first thought about building a fort here way back in 1539. A famous person named Thomas Cromwell suggested it. He wanted to protect the important waterway. But it didn't happen then.
More ideas came up in 1748. A person named Lewis Morris checked out the area. He said a small fort was a good idea to keep the water safe. Another check was done in 1817.
Building the Fort
The Royal Dockyard at Pembroke Dock needed protection from the sea. So, in 1850, building the fort finally started. It was finished just two years later, in 1852.
The fort was planned to have two levels for its big guns. But only the first level was ever finished. This level was used for the guns. About one officer and thirty soldiers lived there.
Later Years and Sales
The fort's guns were removed in 1929. It was first put up for sale in 1932. Someone bought it for £160. In 2005, it was sold again for £150,000.
In 2013, there were some concerns about people getting onto the fort. This was because it was near an important gas jetty. The fort was sold one more time in 2020. A private owner bought it then.
About the Fort's Guns
When it was first built, Stack Rock Fort had three large 32-pounder guns. It also had one smaller 12-pounder gun. This smaller gun helped protect the fort's walls.
Changing Armaments
Between 1859 and 1871, the fort's guns were changed. It then had sixteen 10-inch guns and seven 9-inch guns. These were called RMLs.
In 1902, the guns were changed again. The fort then had four 12-pounder QF guns. During World War I, only a few soldiers were at the fort. By that time, only two 12-pounder QF guns were left.
