Under-Ex http://underex.fotopic.net/ 22 rows en-gb 60 Cwmorthin Slate Quarry. http://underex.fotopic.net/c1777849.html This trip was unscheduled, originally planning on a trip to Parc Lead mine, which was cancelled after a hairy incident on the eastern ladder winze. We have visited Cwmorthin many times but were pleasently suprised with the positive work that has been done by the Friends of Cwmorthin group. Exploring further down the Oakley incline we saw sections of the mine we had not visited before. This quarry remains one of the best sites in UK caving. Tuesday 29 September 2009: This trip was unscheduled, originally planning on a trip to Parc Lead mine, which was cancelled after a hairy incident on the eastern ladder winze. We have visited Cwmorthin many times but were pleasently suprised with the positive work that has been done by the Friends of Cwmorthin group. Exploring further down the Oakley incline we saw sections of the mine we had not visited before. This quarry remains one of the best sites in UK caving.

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]]> Tue Sep 29 2009 Betws Zinc Mine http://underex.fotopic.net/c1777837.html This Zinc mine has four levels and is packed with features. Located in the Gwydyr, above ground has been extensively re-landscaped by the forestry commision. It is possible to access all the levels and significant rope networks have been installed by local cavers. Monday 28 September 2009: This Zinc mine has four levels and is packed with features. Located in the Gwydyr, above ground has been extensively re-landscaped by the forestry commision. It is possible to access all the levels and significant rope networks have been installed by local cavers.

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]]> Mon Sep 28 2009 Cae Coch Sulphur Mine http://underex.fotopic.net/c1773942.html The history of Cae Coch can be traced back to the time of John Wynn in the seventeenth century. Lord Wynn explored the geology of his estate in the Gwydir forest, Zinc, Sulphur and lead were all detected. Wynn's early explorations are of great importance to the history of mining in the UK. Significant mining did not begin at Cae Coch until a private company; Thompson and Hill acquired the site in 1817. At its peak the company employed up to 119 workers who excavated up to a 9400 tonnes a year. The next phase of history at the site began in 1914 when the war office commandeered the site, sulphur being a key component in the making of explosives. The site grew, four levels being excavated in total. After a brief spell of excavation in the Second World War, the site permanently closed. Today extensive re landscaping by the forestry commission almost completely hide the site. Inside the mine is a unique working but great care must be taken if visiting. Friday 25 September 2009: The history of Cae Coch can be traced back to the time of John Wynn in the seventeenth century. Lord Wynn explored the geology of his estate in the Gwydir forest, Zinc, Sulphur and lead were all detected. Wynn's early explorations are of great importance to the history of mining in the UK. Significant mining did not begin at Cae Coch until a private company; Thompson and Hill acquired the site in 1817. At its peak the company employed up to 119 workers who excavated up to a 9400 tonnes a year. The next phase of history at the site began in 1914 when the war office commandeered the site, sulphur being a key component in the making of explosives. The site grew, four levels being excavated in total. After a brief spell of excavation in the Second World War, the site permanently closed. Today extensive re landscaping by the forestry commission almost completely hide the site. Inside the mine is a unique working but great care must be taken if visiting.

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]]> Fri Sep 25 2009 HMS Ganges http://underex.fotopic.net/c1756005.html HMS Ganges was the shore based training facility located on the Shotley peninsula, Suffolk. The training centre was named after the original ship Ganges that was initially used as a training vessel. In 1905 education moved inshore and the establishment had a proud tradition of training mariners until 1976. The Ganges site has been the subject of fierce planning debate; the building of a ‘new town’ is still on going, meanwhile some important historical features of the site such as the tall mast and Martello towers are naturally degrading. Perhaps saddest of all, the tall mast, originally from HMS Cordelia is rotting in situ. Owned by the developer the mast is literally falling apart. The site is large and very interesting. The Martello towers were converted into water towers and have undergone substantial changes. The northern tower actually remains in excellent condition and inside the remains of the original oak floor can be found. Wednesday 16 September 2009: HMS Ganges was the shore based training facility located on the Shotley peninsula, Suffolk. The training centre was named after the original ship Ganges that was initially used as a training vessel. In 1905 education moved inshore and the establishment had a proud tradition of training mariners until 1976. The Ganges site has been the subject of fierce planning debate; the building of a _new town_ is still on going, meanwhile some important historical features of the site such as the tall mast and Martello towers are naturally degrading. Perhaps saddest of all, the tall mast, originally from HMS Cordelia is rotting in situ. Owned by the developer the mast is literally falling apart. The site is large and very interesting. The Martello towers were converted into water towers and have undergone substantial changes. The northern tower actually remains in excellent condition and inside the remains of the original oak floor can be found.

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]]> Wed Sep 16 2009 Snowdown Colliery http://underex.fotopic.net/c1753890.html Snowdown Colliery closed in 1987 in line with National pit closures. Mining begun on the site in 1907, making Snowdown the oldest commercial colliery in Kent. The mine had two shafts, Number one was 83m deep and shaft number two was 940m deep. Contemporary reports document extreme heat and humidity in Snowdown, apparently creating some of the worst working conditions in UK mining. Since 1988 when the shafts were capped and the headgear removed, little has changed. The now dilapidated buildings represent one of the few tangible remains of Kents coal mining past. Friday 11 September 2009: Snowdown Colliery closed in 1987 in line with National pit closures. Mining begun on the site in 1907, making Snowdown the oldest commercial colliery in Kent. The mine had two shafts, Number one was 83m deep and shaft number two was 940m deep. Contemporary reports document extreme heat and humidity in Snowdown, apparently creating some of the worst working conditions in UK mining. Since 1988 when the shafts were capped and the headgear removed, little has changed. The now dilapidated buildings represent one of the few tangible remains of Kents coal mining past.

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]]> Fri Sep 11 2009 Severalls Hospital http://underex.fotopic.net/c1749503.html It had been three years since our last visit to this site and very little change has occurred in this time. The water tower has been secured and made 'pigeon proof' a welcome measure considering the state of some Asylum towers today. This visit we focused on the fire damaged sections of the hospital which we had not explored before. The damage in some sections is significant with floors and roofing missing. Despite the sad state of some of the buildings, it made for some unique photos. Tuesday 25 August 2009: It had been three years since our last visit to this site and very little change has occurred in this time. The water tower has been secured and made 'pigeon proof' a welcome measure considering the state of some Asylum towers today. This visit we focused on the fire damaged sections of the hospital which we had not explored before. The damage in some sections is significant with floors and roofing missing. Despite the sad state of some of the buildings, it made for some unique photos.

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]]> Tue Aug 25 2009 The London Brick Company http://underex.fotopic.net/c1749217.html The London Brick Company was created in 1899 by John Cathles Hill. The company, which had sites in Peterborough and in the Marsden Vale, produced vast quantities of commercial bricks. So huge was the business that the company constructed the model village of Stewartsby for its many workers. It is estimated that 4 million London buildings are constructed with company bricks. So historically important was the Marsden Vale site in the rebuilding of post war London, that two of its chimneys and kilns have been listed, allowing them to be preserved for the nation. In 2008 the company was bout out by Hanson plc, which continued to run the Marsden site until 2008. In the end, it was EU sulphur emissions, which forced the plant to close, because the structures could not be modified to lower emissions. The visit to this site was fascinating; the structures have been left more or less intact since the 2008 closure. The site is huge and Hansen still maintains one small section as an administration office. Wednesday 26 August 2009: The London Brick Company was created in 1899 by John Cathles Hill. The company, which had sites in Peterborough and in the Marsden Vale, produced vast quantities of commercial bricks. So huge was the business that the company constructed the model village of Stewartsby for its many workers. It is estimated that 4 million London buildings are constructed with company bricks. So historically important was the Marsden Vale site in the rebuilding of post war London, that two of its chimneys and kilns have been listed, allowing them to be preserved for the nation. In 2008 the company was bout out by Hanson plc, which continued to run the Marsden site until 2008. In the end, it was EU sulphur emissions, which forced the plant to close, because the structures could not be modified to lower emissions. The visit to this site was fascinating; the structures have been left more or less intact since the 2008 closure. The site is huge and Hansen still maintains one small section as an administration office.

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]]> Wed Aug 26 2009 West Park Asylum http://underex.fotopic.net/c1734423.html West Park Asylum was opened in 1923. The hospital was envisioned as the last great asylum for London’s insane. Housing over 2000 patients, its emphasis on villa design and sheltered walkways demonstrate the changing opinions when treating mental health. The hospital proper was slowly run down, finally closing in 2003. The NHS continues to operate a few out patient facilities on the periphery of the site. The buildings are slowly degrading with many of the ground floors sagging heavily and the remains of the great hall, which was burnt out in 2003, are located centrally. We returned to West Park a week after the initial visit. The main aim was to find and photograph the padded cell and water tower. We found the padded cell with fresh grafitti which we were able to clean off, we also found a brush which enabled the foor to be swept. After clearing the floor crevice, we discovered a lead 'gutter' alowing the cell to be drained. We cleared the corridor the cell is located on and shut the door, hoping that this might deter further vandals. The next step was the water tower, which is extremely well built, with stone steps all the way to the top. Sadly due to the fact workmen were directly underneath we were not able to properly photograph the view. Friday 31 July 2009: West Park Asylum was opened in 1923. The hospital was envisioned as the last great asylum for London_s insane. Housing over 2000 patients, its emphasis on villa design and sheltered walkways demonstrate the changing opinions when treating mental health. The hospital proper was slowly run down, finally closing in 2003. The NHS continues to operate a few out patient facilities on the periphery of the site. The buildings are slowly degrading with many of the ground floors sagging heavily and the remains of the great hall, which was burnt out in 2003, are located centrally. We returned to West Park a week after the initial visit. The main aim was to find and photograph the padded cell and water tower. We found the padded cell with fresh grafitti which we were able to clean off, we also found a brush which enabled the foor to be swept. After clearing the floor crevice, we discovered a lead 'gutter' alowing the cell to be drained. We cleared the corridor the cell is located on and shut the door, hoping that this might deter further vandals. The next step was the water tower, which is extremely well built, with stone steps all the way to the top. Sadly due to the fact workmen were directly underneath we were not able to properly photograph the view.

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]]> Fri Jul 31 2009 Hangmans Wood Dene Hole http://underex.fotopic.net/c1716893.html Hangman’s wood Dene hole is the name given to a collection of shafts within a wooded area known as Little Thurrock in Essex. Originally it is believed there would have been up to seventy shafts, today, only two shafts access the underground workings. The workings date across a long time period, with origins in the medieval period, however the site was worked up until much more recently. To access this site we SRT'd the main sixty-foot shaft, located in the bottom of a steep depression. At the bottom numerous crawls and passageways connect with the remaining workings. The workings take a good few hours to view and afterwards we had to SRT up the rope to get out. Monday 4 May 2009: Hangman_s wood Dene hole is the name given to a collection of shafts within a wooded area known as Little Thurrock in Essex. Originally it is believed there would have been up to seventy shafts, today, only two shafts access the underground workings. The workings date across a long time period, with origins in the medieval period, however the site was worked up until much more recently. To access this site we SRT'd the main sixty-foot shaft, located in the bottom of a steep depression. At the bottom numerous crawls and passageways connect with the remaining workings. The workings take a good few hours to view and afterwards we had to SRT up the rope to get out.

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]]> Mon May 4 2009 Rhiw Bach Slate Quarry http://underex.fotopic.net/c1662781.html This medium sized Slate Quarry is located around two miles from the remote village of Cwn Penmachno. This is a particularly interesting slate quarry, with significant above ground remains. It is possible to access the top of the site and work down the main incline exiting far down in the valley below. The site has received significant investment from the mine exploring community, who have fitted ropes throughout the site and even placed laminated signs on the route. It represents an excellent through trip and an interesting site to visit. Saturday 28 February 2009: This medium sized Slate Quarry is located around two miles from the remote village of Cwn Penmachno. This is a particularly interesting slate quarry, with significant above ground remains. It is possible to access the top of the site and work down the main incline exiting far down in the valley below. The site has received significant investment from the mine exploring community, who have fitted ropes throughout the site and even placed laminated signs on the route. It represents an excellent through trip and an interesting site to visit.

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]]> Sat Feb 28 2009 Penarth Slate Quarry http://underex.fotopic.net/c1662775.html This medium sized slate quarry is located close to the village of Corwen in Wales. The site is accessed by an adit in an older open cast section. Once inside you quickly notice the different style of the quarry, it is not as systematic as its larger Blaenau contemporaries. Nevertheless the state of preservation inside the site is good, with carts, tracks and Cabans remaining. However with reports of gas in the furthest reaches of the east vein, care should be taken if visiting. Wednesday 25 February 2009: This medium sized slate quarry is located close to the village of Corwen in Wales. The site is accessed by an adit in an older open cast section. Once inside you quickly notice the different style of the quarry, it is not as systematic as its larger Blaenau contemporaries. Nevertheless the state of preservation inside the site is good, with carts, tracks and Cabans remaining. However with reports of gas in the furthest reaches of the east vein, care should be taken if visiting.

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]]> Wed Feb 25 2009 Hendre Spar Mine http://underex.fotopic.net/c1662769.html This mineral mine located close to Rhydymwyn on the Welsh Border is an interesting site to visit. Accessed by a large laddered airshaft, the mine is larger than we expected. With nearly all the ladders in place, roughly 6 levels can be reached which truncate the entire stope. Tuesday 24 February 2009: This mineral mine located close to Rhydymwyn on the Welsh Border is an interesting site to visit. Accessed by a large laddered airshaft, the mine is larger than we expected. With nearly all the ladders in place, roughly 6 levels can be reached which truncate the entire stope.

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]]> Tue Feb 24 2009 Midlands Drift Colliery http://underex.fotopic.net/c1662760.html Few Coal Mines remain accessible today. This drift mine opened in the 1980's and coal production was not on a huge scale. Inside carts and tracks remain. The sloping drifts can be accessed until the water table is hit, beneath this the seam of coal would have been found. Please Note Coal Mines are extremely dangerous places and should not be accessed. Tuesday 24 February 2009: Few Coal Mines remain accessible today. This drift mine opened in the 1980's and coal production was not on a huge scale. Inside carts and tracks remain. The sloping drifts can be accessed until the water table is hit, beneath this the seam of coal would have been found. Please Note Coal Mines are extremely dangerous places and should not be accessed.

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]]> Tue Feb 24 2009 Buckmore Park Scout Centre http://underex.fotopic.net/c1662740.html The closure of the Buckmore Park Scout centre and the subsequent condition of this site today is a sad affair. Constructed in 1996 with public money, the complex was built on land used by the Scouting Association for over 50 years. It boasted a huge range of facilities to be used by the Scouts and Public alike. In 2003 the complex went into administration and closed, many rumours circulate regarding the reason for this, ranging from mismanagement to access rights. Today the complex is in a sorry state, vandalism on a huge scale has occurred and without immediate intervention, this building will reach a point of no return. Friday 6 February 2009: The closure of the Buckmore Park Scout centre and the subsequent condition of this site today is a sad affair. Constructed in 1996 with public money, the complex was built on land used by the Scouting Association for over 50 years. It boasted a huge range of facilities to be used by the Scouts and Public alike. In 2003 the complex went into administration and closed, many rumours circulate regarding the reason for this, ranging from mismanagement to access rights. Today the complex is in a sorry state, vandalism on a huge scale has occurred and without immediate intervention, this building will reach a point of no return.

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]]> Fri Feb 6 2009 Hellingly Asylum http://underex.fotopic.net/c1662734.html This collection of photographs was taken over a sixth month period from January - July. On the first visit, it had been over two years since I had been to Hellingly. It was sad to see the increased dereliction of the site. Natural decay, vandalism and a lapse in security have taken its toll. On the last visit after some extensive 'reladdering' I made it to the top of the water tower and managed to get some great shots of the hospital site. Whilst Hellingly is too far derelict for restoration, the buildings still retain their beauty and grandeur. Tuesday 21 July 2009: This collection of photographs was taken over a sixth month period from January - July. On the first visit, it had been over two years since I had been to Hellingly. It was sad to see the increased dereliction of the site. Natural decay, vandalism and a lapse in security have taken its toll. On the last visit after some extensive 'reladdering' I made it to the top of the water tower and managed to get some great shots of the hospital site. Whilst Hellingly is too far derelict for restoration, the buildings still retain their beauty and grandeur.

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]]> Tue Jul 21 2009 Tunbridge Wells Shelter http://underex.fotopic.net/c1662727.html Little information exists about this small underground site. It is believed it began its life as natural sand mine, which local's had excavated on an ad - hoc basis since the 17th century. During the Second World War the natural system of caves was adapted into a bomb shelter, reinforcing to the ceiling and the public steps can still be noted. After the war the system was bricked up and the relocating of a nearby road means that the site can only be accessed today via a manhole cover and shaft. Wednesday 10 December 2008: Little information exists about this small underground site. It is believed it began its life as natural sand mine, which local's had excavated on an ad - hoc basis since the 17th century. During the Second World War the natural system of caves was adapted into a bomb shelter, reinforcing to the ceiling and the public steps can still be noted. After the war the system was bricked up and the relocating of a nearby road means that the site can only be accessed today via a manhole cover and shaft.

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]]> Wed Dec 10 2008 Bedgebury Lower School http://underex.fotopic.net/c1595572.html Bedgebury Lower School is located south of Hawkhurst. The building was originally constructed as the Lillesden Family Mansion in 1855, eventually becoming a school in the 1920s. The School Closed in the early 1990s and since then the building has deteriorated rapidly. The theft of lead from the roof has caused significant water damage. Around three years ago a fatality occurred when someone believed to be removing lead from the roof fell. This led to the building being heavily secured and preserved, however, recently the building is ‘open’ again and vandalism is prevalent. Tuesday 14 October 2008: Bedgebury Lower School is located south of Hawkhurst. The building was originally constructed as the Lillesden Family Mansion in 1855, eventually becoming a school in the 1920s. The School Closed in the early 1990s and since then the building has deteriorated rapidly. The theft of lead from the roof has caused significant water damage. Around three years ago a fatality occurred when someone believed to be removing lead from the roof fell. This led to the building being heavily secured and preserved, however, recently the building is _open_ again and vandalism is prevalent.

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]]> Tue Oct 14 2008 Battery Oldenburg http://underex.fotopic.net/c1595540.html Battery Oldenburg is a German position of Second World War origins. Oldenburg is located close to the beach on the eastern side of Calais. The Battery consists of two extremely large firing positions with a system of tunnels behind. Turm Ost represents the eastern gun position; it is three levels deep and structurally remains in excellent conditions. The main corridor on the second level is peppered with gunshots reminding us with stark clarity of the active service this structures saw. Turm West is very similar in layout to its neighbour, although it suffered some kind of extreme bomb damage. Squeezing past a collapse into the adjacent wing of the battery, collapses, cracks, and heat damage prevail over the entire structure. Monday 29 September 2008: Battery Oldenburg is a German position of Second World War origins. Oldenburg is located close to the beach on the eastern side of Calais. The Battery consists of two extremely large firing positions with a system of tunnels behind. Turm Ost represents the eastern gun position; it is three levels deep and structurally remains in excellent conditions. The main corridor on the second level is peppered with gunshots reminding us with stark clarity of the active service this structures saw. Turm West is very similar in layout to its neighbour, although it suffered some kind of extreme bomb damage. Squeezing past a collapse into the adjacent wing of the battery, collapses, cracks, and heat damage prevail over the entire structure.

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]]> Mon Sep 29 2008 Garrison Point Fort http://underex.fotopic.net/c1594592.html We visited Garrison Point Fort on the recent Heritage Open day. Whilst the history of this site has already been covered in the previous visit, this year saw considerably more of the Fort open to the public. The magazines remain in perfect condition, the tin lighting passages are still in place and have surviving signage intact. Also the RNXS (Royal Navy Auxiliary Service) bunker was opened up. This bunker served as a control centre to coordinate the evacuation of shipping in a nuclear conflict. This was an excellent visit and many thanks to Barry Stewart from Underground Kent for his organisation. Also included in this gallery are shots of the Rennie Model of the original dockyard. This model is stored by English Heritage and was made available for us to see on a visit to Fort Brockhurst. Also included are shots of the masts of the munitions vessel, the SS Montgomery, located close to the Fort. Grounded in 1944, the Montgomery still has over half its load of explosives on board. Saturday 13 September 2008: We visited Garrison Point Fort on the recent Heritage Open day. Whilst the history of this site has already been covered in the previous visit, this year saw considerably more of the Fort open to the public. The magazines remain in perfect condition, the tin lighting passages are still in place and have surviving signage intact. Also the RNXS (Royal Navy Auxiliary Service) bunker was opened up. This bunker served as a control centre to coordinate the evacuation of shipping in a nuclear conflict. This was an excellent visit and many thanks to Barry Stewart from Underground Kent for his organisation. Also included in this gallery are shots of the Rennie Model of the original dockyard. This model is stored by English Heritage and was made available for us to see on a visit to Fort Brockhurst. Also included are shots of the masts of the munitions vessel, the SS Montgomery, located close to the Fort. Grounded in 1944, the Montgomery still has over half its load of explosives on board.

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]]> Sat Sep 13 2008 Fort Purbrook http://underex.fotopic.net/c1591617.html Fort Purbrook was constructed in 1870 on Portsdown hill and was the furthest east of all the five hill fortifications. A seven-sided fort protected by caponiers and demi caponiers; it defended the northeast approach to Portsmouth. The fort had brief occupation during the Second World War, having a series of gun emplacement located on its terraplain. Today the fort is run as a children’s activity centre and represents a good example of heritage management. Thanks to David Moore and Peter Ashley Activity centres for our visit. Sunday 7 September 2008: Fort Purbrook was constructed in 1870 on Portsdown hill and was the furthest east of all the five hill fortifications. A seven-sided fort protected by caponiers and demi caponiers; it defended the northeast approach to Portsmouth. The fort had brief occupation during the Second World War, having a series of gun emplacement located on its terraplain. Today the fort is run as a children_s activity centre and represents a good example of heritage management. Thanks to David Moore and Peter Ashley Activity centres for our visit.

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]]> Sun Sep 7 2008 Fort Southwick UGHQ http://underex.fotopic.net/c1591556.html Fort Southwick is one of the five Palmerston Forts located atop of Portsdown hill, Portsmouth. Originally constructed in the 1870s, Southwick had a long period of military ownership, finally being sold in 2003. Underneath the Fort a large complex of tunnels was excavated and completed in 1942. The installation of radio communications, operation systems and accommodation led to the site becoming an important Navy UGHQ. Southwick played an important part in the planning and direction of Operation Overlord (or D Day). Furthermore after World War Two, Southwick continued to be used and was refurbished on two occasions, before finally closing in 1966. After being sold by the MOD in 2003 a private company purchased the whole site. Games of 'air soft' are now run in the old UGHQ tunnels. Thank you to UCAP airsoft for our visit. Saturday 6 September 2008: Fort Southwick is one of the five Palmerston Forts located atop of Portsdown hill, Portsmouth. Originally constructed in the 1870s, Southwick had a long period of military ownership, finally being sold in 2003. Underneath the Fort a large complex of tunnels was excavated and completed in 1942. The installation of radio communications, operation systems and accommodation led to the site becoming an important Navy UGHQ. Southwick played an important part in the planning and direction of Operation Overlord (or D Day). Furthermore after World War Two, Southwick continued to be used and was refurbished on two occasions, before finally closing in 1966. After being sold by the MOD in 2003 a private company purchased the whole site. Games of 'air soft' are now run in the old UGHQ tunnels. Thank you to UCAP airsoft for our visit.

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]]> Sat Sep 6 2008 Fort Brockhurst http://underex.fotopic.net/c1591481.html Fort Brockhurst represents an excellent example of a polygonal fort. The fortification was constructed in 1860 as part of the Gosport defences, which aimed to protect the western end of Portsmouth Harbour. Today, Fort Brockhurst is a unique, being one of the only surviving forts featuring a circular keep of last defence. Other features of Brockhurst include two demi caponiers, one full Caponier and four haxo casemates to defend the main guns. After coming out of the ownership of the army in the 1960's, Brockhurst finally was acquired by English Heritage in 1988. The fortification is periodically opened to the public for open days. Brockhurst is primarily used as a store for English Heritage's reserve collection of artefacts. Many thanks to David Moore of the Palmerston Forts society for arranging the visit with English Heritage. Also special thanks to Emglish Heritage for allowing us access to John Rennie's model of Sheerness Dockyard. (These pictures have been included in the Garrison Point Forts Open Day Report). Saturday 6 September 2008: Fort Brockhurst represents an excellent example of a polygonal fort. The fortification was constructed in 1860 as part of the Gosport defences, which aimed to protect the western end of Portsmouth Harbour. Today, Fort Brockhurst is a unique, being one of the only surviving forts featuring a circular keep of last defence. Other features of Brockhurst include two demi caponiers, one full Caponier and four haxo casemates to defend the main guns. After coming out of the ownership of the army in the 1960's, Brockhurst finally was acquired by English Heritage in 1988. The fortification is periodically opened to the public for open days. Brockhurst is primarily used as a store for English Heritage's reserve collection of artefacts. Many thanks to David Moore of the Palmerston Forts society for arranging the visit with English Heritage. Also special thanks to Emglish Heritage for allowing us access to John Rennie's model of Sheerness Dockyard. (These pictures have been included in the Garrison Point Forts Open Day Report).

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