Crownhill Fort is the largest of a ring of eleven forts and batteries (similar in design to those around Portsmouth) that were completed in 1872 to form the northern part of the Plymouth Defences to protect against invasion by land. It is the only one still in original condition and was used by the army until 1986 since when it has been owned by the Landmark Trust. It was built 1860 - 70 and was equipped with thirty guns, a ditch 30 foot wide surrounding a seven sided structure. A Scheduled Ancient Monument.
A second ring of six forts were planned to the west of the city, but were never started.
The other forts are Agaton, Woodland, Bowden, Austin and Efford Forts
and these were supported by Ernesettle, Knowles, Forder, Eggbuckland Keep
and Laira (2) Batteries
Laira Battery
1863-71
It was designed as a five sided battery to support Efford Fort with
thirteen guns, but by 1885 it had just eight 7" RBLs. There was also an emplacement for four 8" RML guns to the rear. Now a private, industrial park, some of the ditches have been fillled in.
Efford Fort
1860-70
Private, very overgrown
Austin Fort
1860-70
Used by the counci, still largely intact. Photo below.
Forder Battery
1860-70
Overgrown
Eggbuckland Keep
1860-70
Now a DIY centre. A Scheduled Ancient Monument
Bowden Fort
1860-70
Now used as a garden centre. Much of the structure remains although the ditch has been
filled in. A Scheduled Ancient Monument
Woodland Fort
1860-70
The exterior is overgrown and neglected. A Scheduled Ancient Monument
Knowle Battery
1863-70
Private. A Scheduled Ancient Monument
Agaton Fort
1863-71
A private vehicle testing centre. Overgrown in places but much
remains. Access by prior arrangement. A Scheduled Ancient Monument
Ernesettle Battery
1860-70
Not used, inside a Naval base, private. A Scheduled Ancient
Monument
Crownhill Fort is open to the public.
Directions
4 miles north of Plymouth City Centre, off the A386 Tavistock Road.
