Staddon Fort facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Staddon Fort
Rear of Staddon Fort, showing later communications mast
Type	Fort
Site information
Owner	Ministry of Defence
Open to the public	No
Condition	Complete
Site history
Built	1861-1869
Materials	Earth Masonry

Staddon Fort is an old fort from the 1800s. It was built to protect the city of Plymouth and the important Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport from attacks by land. It's part of a big group of forts called Palmerston Forts. These forts were named after the Prime Minister who pushed for them to be built.

Why Staddon Fort Was Built

This fort was created because of a special report in 1859. This report, called the Royal Commission on National Defence, suggested building many forts. The idea was to protect important places in Britain. Staddon Fort was one of these forts. It helped defend the eastern side of Plymouth.

Building the Fort

Captain Edmund Frederick Du Cane designed Staddon Fort. He later became a Major General. George Roach and Company built the fort. Construction took place between 1861 and 1869.

Fort Connections

Staddon Fort was connected to other nearby forts. A special military road linked it to Stamford Fort, Watch House Battery, and Brownhill Battery. This made it easier for soldiers and supplies to move between them.

Fort Defenses

The fort was planned to hold 34 large guns. It also had space for 6 mortars. Mortars are a type of cannon that fires shells high into the air. Inside the fort, there was a barrack building. This building could house 250 soldiers who would live and work at the fort.

Staddon Fort Today

By the early 1900s, Staddon Fort was no longer needed for defense. Its guns were removed. However, it is still used today by the Royal Navy. It works as a communications center. This means it helps send and receive important messages.

In 1969, Staddon Fort became a scheduled monument. This means it is a historically important site. It is now protected by law.