Bouldnor Battery

Bouldnor Battery is a concrete coastal fortification on the Isle of Wight with two gun emplacements, ammunition storage, and troop shelters positioned to watch over the western entrance to the Solent. The surviving structures show how such installations were built to defend shipping routes during the mid-20th century.

The battery was built between 1937 and 1938 and armed with two 6-inch guns to defend against sea attacks during wartime. It remained operational until 1956, serving as a key point in Britain's coastal defense network throughout the Second World War.

The military installation represents the technological advancement of British coastal defense systems during the mid-twentieth century conflict period.

The site is located on the western coast of the Isle of Wight and can be reached on foot via local paths, though the terrain is rough and uneven. Visitors should wear suitable footwear and remember that the structures are protected as a scheduled monument and must be treated with care.

One gun emplacement still displays original painted diagrams of warships that soldiers used for target practice during exercises. These details reveal how crews prepared for actual combat scenarios at coastal positions.

Location: Shalfleet

Inception: 1937

GPS coordinates: 50.70970,-1.46417

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40