Scraesdon Fort

Heritage Site in Cornwall

England

Scraesdon Fort

Tregantle Fort near Antony Tregantle Fort is one of several forts surrounding Plymouth that were built as a result of a decision in Lord Palmerston's premiership to deter the French from attacking naval bases on the Channel coast. The fort was originally designed by Captain William Crossman, with later modifications by Captain (later Maj General) Edmund Frederick Du Cane. Construction commenced in 1859 and was completed in 1865. When originally designed it had provision for 35 large guns. By 1893 the guns consisted of five RBL 7 inch Armstrong guns and nineteen RML 64-pounders, together with a number of 32 Pounder Smooth Bore Breech Loading guns. Early in the 1900s it became an infantry battalion headquarters with 14 officers and 423 other ranks, and from 1903 was used for rifle training. Tregantle is infamous within the armed forces because many of the rifle ranges located there slope steeply down towards the sea. These ranges are still in use, primarily by personnel located at HMS Raleigh. Tregantle was vacated after World War I until 1938, when it was used as the Territorial Army Passive Air Defence School. During World War II it was used first as the Army Gas School and from 1942 as US Army accommodation. (source Wikipedia)
Tregantle Fort near Antony Credit: Colin Park

Scraesdon Fort, located in Cornwall, England, is a historic heritage site that holds great significance. Built between 1892 and 1896, the fort was part of a series of coastal defenses constructed to protect Britain from potential invasions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Situated on a cliff overlooking the picturesque Whitsand Bay, Scraesdon Fort offered a strategic vantage point for monitoring and defending the coastline. It consisted of underground tunnels, gun emplacements, and living quarters for the soldiers stationed there. The fort was armed with powerful artillery pieces, including 9.2-inch guns, which were capable of firing shells over long distances.

During World War I, Scraesdon Fort played a crucial role in safeguarding the coast against potential attacks from German forces. However, with the advancement of military technology in the following decades, the fort's significance diminished, and it eventually became obsolete.

Today, Scraesdon Fort is open to the public as a heritage site, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the area's military history. Guided tours offer a chance to explore the underground tunnels and witness the remnants of the original artillery installations. The fort's commanding view of Whitsand Bay also provides visitors with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding coastal landscape.

Scraesdon Fort stands as a testament to the ingenuity and defensive capabilities of Britain's coastal defenses during a significant period in its history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the nation's shores and offers an educational experience for those interested in military history and the heritage of Cornwall.

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Scraesdon Fort Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.368/-4.257 or Grid Reference SX3954. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tregantle Fort near Antony Tregantle Fort is one of several forts surrounding Plymouth that were built as a result of a decision in Lord Palmerston's premiership to deter the French from attacking naval bases on the Channel coast. The fort was originally designed by Captain William Crossman, with later modifications by Captain (later Maj General) Edmund Frederick Du Cane. Construction commenced in 1859 and was completed in 1865. When originally designed it had provision for 35 large guns. By 1893 the guns consisted of five RBL 7 inch Armstrong guns and nineteen RML 64-pounders, together with a number of 32 Pounder Smooth Bore Breech Loading guns. Early in the 1900s it became an infantry battalion headquarters with 14 officers and 423 other ranks, and from 1903 was used for rifle training. Tregantle is infamous within the armed forces because many of the rifle ranges located there slope steeply down towards the sea. These ranges are still in use, primarily by personnel located at HMS Raleigh. Tregantle was vacated after World War I until 1938, when it was used as the Territorial Army Passive Air Defence School. During World War II it was used first as the Army Gas School and from 1942 as US Army accommodation. (source Wikipedia)
Tregantle Fort near Antony
Tregantle Fort is one of several forts surrounding Plymouth that were built as a result of a decision in Lord Palmerston's premiership to deter the French from attacking naval bases on the Channel coast. The fort was originally designed by Captain William Crossman, with later modifications by Captain (later Maj General) Edmund Frederick Du Cane. Construction commenced in 1859 and was completed in 1865. When originally designed it had provision for 35 large guns. By 1893 the guns consisted of five RBL 7 inch Armstrong guns and nineteen RML 64-pounders, together with a number of 32 Pounder Smooth Bore Breech Loading guns. Early in the 1900s it became an infantry battalion headquarters with 14 officers and 423 other ranks, and from 1903 was used for rifle training. Tregantle is infamous within the armed forces because many of the rifle ranges located there slope steeply down towards the sea. These ranges are still in use, primarily by personnel located at HMS Raleigh. Tregantle was vacated after World War I until 1938, when it was used as the Territorial Army Passive Air Defence School. During World War II it was used first as the Army Gas School and from 1942 as US Army accommodation. (source Wikipedia)
SW Coast Path between Tregantle Down & Freathy
SW Coast Path between Tregantle Down & Freathy
Not the way into Wacker Woods While the footpath looks inviting, the sign warns that it leads into a military training area and that entry is forbidden.
Not the way into Wacker Woods
While the footpath looks inviting, the sign warns that it leads into a military training area and that entry is forbidden.
Wacker Quay and Warren Point Looking over the old quayside and across the entrance to the tidal creek called Wacker Lake to the woodlands at Warren Point.  Wacker Quay used to be where ammunition and other goods were brought in for the military fortifications of Scraesdon Fort and Tregantle Fort.  They were taken up to the forts on a railway line which started here but has long since disappeared.
Wacker Quay and Warren Point
Looking over the old quayside and across the entrance to the tidal creek called Wacker Lake to the woodlands at Warren Point. Wacker Quay used to be where ammunition and other goods were brought in for the military fortifications of Scraesdon Fort and Tregantle Fort. They were taken up to the forts on a railway line which started here but has long since disappeared.
A waterside field Note the two berry pickers at the field edge.
A waterside field
Note the two berry pickers at the field edge.
Antony Village This photograph was taken from the "bottom" of the village looking up the main street to the church.
Antony Village
This photograph was taken from the "bottom" of the village looking up the main street to the church.
Tregantle Fort This 19th century fortification was completed in 1865 and overlooks Whitsand Bay.   The intention of the fort was to hold guns which could fire on ships at sea.  Whilst its guns were upgraded in the late 19th century they did not keep pace with the advances in naval guns at the time.  Tregantle Forts most famous resident was probably the American heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis who was stationed here for a time in the Second World War.  This photograph shows the southwestern aspect of the fort.  The fort and its surrounds now contain rife ranges for military practice.
Tregantle Fort
This 19th century fortification was completed in 1865 and overlooks Whitsand Bay. The intention of the fort was to hold guns which could fire on ships at sea. Whilst its guns were upgraded in the late 19th century they did not keep pace with the advances in naval guns at the time. Tregantle Forts most famous resident was probably the American heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis who was stationed here for a time in the Second World War. This photograph shows the southwestern aspect of the fort. The fort and its surrounds now contain rife ranges for military practice.
Clampet Lane A narrow lane through mixed agricultural land to the north of Whitsand Bay.
Clampet Lane
A narrow lane through mixed agricultural land to the north of Whitsand Bay.
Higher Tregantle Farm
Higher Tregantle Farm
Fort Tregantle from the sea
Fort Tregantle from the sea
Tregantle Fort Part of the fort near the viewpoint carpark.
Tregantle Fort
Part of the fort near the viewpoint carpark.
Scraesdon Fort Used by Marines for Training - used blanks / trip flares all around
Scraesdon Fort
Used by Marines for Training - used blanks / trip flares all around
Aerial View of Scraesdon Fort and Antony This picture clearly shows the outline of Scraesdon Fort with its defensive moat filled with mature trees. The village of Antony is in the picture as is Scraesdon Farm and all roads contained within the 1km square map image.
Aerial View of Scraesdon Fort and Antony
This picture clearly shows the outline of Scraesdon Fort with its defensive moat filled with mature trees. The village of Antony is in the picture as is Scraesdon Farm and all roads contained within the 1km square map image.
Scraesdon Fort - Caponier House Gun Embrasures that protect the gatehouse with musketfire, the upper floor is long gone but the stonework supports can be clearly seen.
Scraesdon Fort - Caponier
House Gun Embrasures that protect the gatehouse with musketfire, the upper floor is long gone but the stonework supports can be clearly seen.
Scraesdon Fort - Haxo Gun Casements Bomb proof gun positions that point north over the Lynher estuary.
Scraesdon Fort - Haxo Gun Casements
Bomb proof gun positions that point north over the Lynher estuary.
Scraesdon Fort - Interior
Scraesdon Fort - Interior
Scraesdon Fort - Steps leading down to lower levels Down down down we go into the eerie blackness below
Scraesdon Fort - Steps leading down to lower levels
Down down down we go into the eerie blackness below
Scraesdon Fort - Steps down to lower Gun Embrasures Spectacularly sturdy building - amazing to see where masonry and brick have been integrated into the rock that was cut away to form this forbiddable structure.
Scraesdon Fort - Steps down to lower Gun Embrasures
Spectacularly sturdy building - amazing to see where masonry and brick have been integrated into the rock that was cut away to form this forbiddable structure.
Show me another place!

Scraesdon Fort is located at Grid Ref: SX3954 (Lat: 50.368, Lng: -4.257)

Unitary Authority: Cornwall

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///bibs.contact.narrowest. Near Millbrook, Cornwall

Related Wikis

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The Church of St James is a Grade I listed 12th-century Anglican parish church in Antony, Cornwall, England. == History == The church is located in Antony...

Antony, Cornwall

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Scraesdon Fort

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.368,-4.257
Antony
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Bus Stop
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Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: St John Turn
Naptan Indicator: Opp
Naptan NaptanCode: cordwjgp
Naptan Street: Antony Hill
Naptan Verified: no
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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