Coastal Defence (Remains of St Martin's Battery), Dover
Built during the 1870s, St Martin's Battery is on an elevated site that overlooks the harbor of Dover. It sits on a terrace that was artificially cut into the hillside on Western Heights. The construction of this battery was part of an effort to improve the coastal defense.
The structure's design kept low visibility in mind to help keep it hidden from approaching enemy attacks. Artillery mounted in the battery included three large rifled muzzleloaders, the guns invented in the mid-19th century for use in forts and ships. In the early 20th century, St Martin's Battery became obsolete and was disarmed.
After a threat of invasion in 1940, during World War II, it was reopened as an emergency battery and renamed "Western Heights Battery." It was extensively remodeled and offered added protection against air attacks. After the war, the site was abandoned. Today, you can visit the outside of the battery and take a walk around the area of this fascinating historical location. You won't want to miss the beautiful harbor views!
The structure's design kept low visibility in mind to help keep it hidden from approaching enemy attacks. Artillery mounted in the battery included three large rifled muzzleloaders, the guns invented in the mid-19th century for use in forts and ships. In the early 20th century, St Martin's Battery became obsolete and was disarmed.
After a threat of invasion in 1940, during World War II, it was reopened as an emergency battery and renamed "Western Heights Battery." It was extensively remodeled and offered added protection against air attacks. After the war, the site was abandoned. Today, you can visit the outside of the battery and take a walk around the area of this fascinating historical location. You won't want to miss the beautiful harbor views!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dover. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Coastal Defence (Remains of St Martin's Battery) on Map
Sight Name: Coastal Defence (Remains of St Martin's Battery)
Sight Location: Dover, England (See walking tours in Dover)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dover, England (See walking tours in Dover)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dover, England
Create Your Own Walk in Dover
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dover is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Western Heights Walking Tour
The Western Heights of Dover is an impressive fortification built for protection against invaders. Construction took place at the time of the Napoleonic Wars, with improvements continuing during the 19th century. This immense hilltop fortress features an incredible network of forts, barracks, tunnels, ramparts, and massive ditches.
There are two forts at Western Heights, the Drop Redoubt and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
There are two forts at Western Heights, the Drop Redoubt and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Dover Introduction Walking Tour
The lovely coastal town of Dover in Kent, England, overlooking the English Channel from the height of the striking white chalk cliffs, has long been a major sea gate to the country. It is to this iconic landmark, known as the "White Cliffs of Dover", that the isle of Great Britain owes its nickname, the Albion.
According to archaeological findings, this location at the narrowest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
According to archaeological findings, this location at the narrowest... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles