Watch House Battery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Watch House Battery |
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| Devon England |
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| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Condition | Complete; disarmed |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1864-1865; Rebuilt 1901-1904 |
| Materials | Earth Concrete |
Watch House Battery was a special building from the 1800s. It was a "gun battery," which means it held big guns. Its main job was to protect the eastern side of Plymouth Sound. This was important to keep the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport safe.
What Was Watch House Battery?
Watch House Battery was first built between 1864 and 1865. It was shaped like a five-sided fort, called a "redoubt." This fort had spots for five large guns.
Guns of the Battery
By the year 1893, the battery had two powerful guns. These were called 64 Pounder Rifled Muzzle Loading Guns. They were big guns that loaded from the front.
Later, between 1901 and 1903, the battery was rebuilt. It was updated to hold two new, more modern guns. These were 6-inch Mark VII breech loading guns. "Breech loading" means they loaded from the back.
Who Manned the Battery?
During the First World War, the battery was very active. Soldiers from the Devonshire Royal Garrison Artillery worked there. They were responsible for operating the guns.
After the Wars
Watch House Battery kept its guns even after the Second World War. However, in 1956, the United Kingdom stopped using coastal artillery. This meant the battery's guns were removed.
The military no longer needed the site. For some years, it was used as a fun activity center for children. In 1969, it was given a special status. It became a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical site.
