Admiralty Pier Turret, Battery tower at Dover Harbor, United Kingdom
Admiralty Pier Turret is an armored gun emplacement located on Dover's western breakwater. The structure houses two massive rotating guns designed to defend the harbor entrance from naval threats.
Construction started in 1872 with the main structure completed by 1874 to defend against naval threats. The turret became part of a larger system that protected the critical supply routes around Dover during military conflicts.
The turret represents Dover's role as a key defensive position protecting the English coastline. Today it stands as a reminder of when military might relied on these enormous rotating guns.
The turret is not open to the public, but you can view its external structure clearly from Prince of Wales Pier during daylight hours. The viewing area is accessible without special arrangements or permits.
Each of the two guns weighs 81 tons and rotates on 32 mechanical rollers hidden within the turret's base. These were among the largest weapons ever installed anywhere in Britain and required extraordinary engineering to operate.
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