Fort Amherst

Fort Amherst is a military fortification on elevated ground with defensive walls, earthwork ramparts, gun positions, and an intricate network of underground tunnels running beneath the structure. The site includes casemates, open bastions, and multiple defensive lines that reflect the complexity of its military design.

Construction began in 1756 to protect Chatham Dockyard from French attacks, and the fort underwent major modifications during the Napoleonic Wars. It was repeatedly strengthened and updated to keep pace with changing military demands.

The fort was named after a British field marshal and became a symbol of local defense that still holds meaning in the region's collective memory today.

The outdoor grounds are accessible year-round at no cost, while guided tunnel tours and demonstrations are offered at set times. Expect uneven ground and tight spaces, particularly in the underground sections.

During construction in 1779, workers uncovered Roman foundations, coins, bricks, and pottery indicating much earlier settlement at the site. These discoveries reveal that the location held strategic value long before the modern fort was built.

Location: Medway

Part of: Chatham Palmerston Forts

Address: Dock Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4UB

Website: https://fortamherst.com

GPS coordinates: 51.38730,0.52570

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:49