New Tavern Fort, Military fort in Gravesend, England
New Tavern Fort is a military fortification in Gravesend positioned along the southern bank of the River Thames with earthen ramparts arranged in a zigzag pattern and eight gun positions. The structure combines above-ground defenses with underground chambers linked by ammunition lifts for supply distribution.
The fort was built in the 1780s during the American War of Independence to defend the Thames against French and Spanish raiders supporting the United States. Its construction was part of a broader coastal defense strategy against external threats of that era.
The fort displays exhibitions about World War II in Gravesend, featuring reconstructed air raid shelters and military equipment from that period. Visitors can understand how these structures protected civilians during bombing raids.
The fort is most accessible on weekends between April and September, when visitors can explore the fortifications and underground areas at their own pace. Plan to spend several hours viewing the various levels and chambers throughout the site.
The underground network contains a brick-lined passage about 600 feet long with storage rooms connected to gun positions through a sophisticated ammunition lift system. This hydraulic network allowed supplies to be moved rapidly and safely from storage to the firing positions above.
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