Freshwater 'Fort'

Has been described as a Possible Artillery Fort

There are no visible remains

NameFreshwater 'Fort'
Alternative Names
Historic CountryHampshire and the Isle of Wight
Modern AuthorityIsle of Wight
1974 AuthorityIsle of Wight
Civil ParishFreshwater

This building was 'only a thatched hous new builte for sauinge of Thorinaunce appointed in that place'. The house stored a broken iron culverin and three iron port-pieces, together with shot, handguns, bows, gunpowder and picks.

As it was considered that the enemy could not attempt a landing at Freshwater because of the cliffs, it was proposed that a fort should be built in the area to defend the Isle of Freshwater from the east if that part of the Isle of Wight had fallen. This would enable relief forces to land from the west without immediate fear of attack from the east. (Kenyon)

22 Feb 1541. Warrant passed under stamp to Sir Brian Tuke to pay 1,000l. to John Mille for fortifications of the East and West Cowes, the Hurst, and the Freshwater. (LandP Hen VIII)

Gatehouse Comments

Presumably there was near to the cottage a simple platform with wicker gabions. The location must have been near to the parish church as this is the tactical location at the entrance to the Isle of Freshwater.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSZ346873
Latitude50.6843681335449
Longitude-1.51024997234344
Eastings434600
Northings87300
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

No photos available. If you can provide pictures please contact Castlefacts

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Journals

  • Kenyon, J.R., 1979, 'An aspect of the 1559 survey of the Isle of Wight: The State of all the Queenes maties Fortresses and Castelles' Post-Medieval Archaeology Vol. 13 p. 61-77 esp. 72

Primary Sources