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Founded over 40 years ago to support Hampshire County Council in the rescue and preservation of Fort Nelson, the Palmerston Forts Society (PFS) has grown to become the UK’s most trusted and knowledgeable organisation dedicated to British Victorian fortifications notably the “Palmerston Forts” built following the recommendations of the 1859 Royal Commission. Our society brings together like-minded individuals who share a passion for Victorian fortifications. We offer a welcoming and supportive environment where members can make friends, exchange ideas, share their enthusiasm, and contribute to the collective knowledge through discussion and research. Today, membership extends across the UK and into numerous countries worldwide mirroring the spread of British Imperial fortifications around the globe.
In line with our charitable objective of educating the public on the history of Victorian fortifications, members are encouraged to share their research for potential publication in the Society’s respected annual journal, The Redan. The Society also supports the improvement and interpretation of surviving fortifications for public benefit. Alongside the Redan and regular newsletters, members enjoy exclusive benefits which include access to the Society’s archives, webinars, and organised visits—many offering rare behind-the-scenes access to historic sites.
The Society also maintains a uniformed reenactment section: the Portsdown Artillery Volunteers (PAV). Dressed as the 2nd Hampshire Volunteer Artillery of the 1880s, they help enliven the history of Fort Nelson by the accurate portrayal of life in the artillery volunteers during the Victorian era.
In recent years, the Society has established the Victorian Fort Network—an international initiative uniting owners and operators of British Imperial fortifications of the Victorian period. This forum promotes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and best practice in fort preservation.
The Palmerston Forts Society continues to act as a leading authority on Victorian fortifications, responding to enquiries from researchers, and offering expert support to developers, local authorities and government bodies.
All information, photographs, drawings, plans, etc., are copyright of the Palmerston Forts Society and may not be copied or shared without the express permission of the Palmerston Forts Society.
The Palmerston Forts Society welcomes new members, so if you have an interest in joining the Society, perhaps even firing the Victorian guns, then find out more.....
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The Palmerston Forts Society publications:
At the 2025 Palmerston Forts Society AGM the new five year strategy was launched to the members. read more ...
This years journal has now been despatched to all renewed members and is available for download for Digital Members.
The 2025 edition of the PFS Journal has arrived from the printers. It will be distributed to members at this years AGM on the 25th October and to those members unable to attend it will be posted via Royal Mail the following week.read more ...
The Royal Armouries are asking people who have visited the fort to complete a small on-line survey to help them shape future plans for the fort as a visitor experience. read more ...
We are delighted to announce that, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has decided to add Lumps Fort (Southsea) and the site of the nearby practice battery to the National Heritage List for England as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. read more ...
The Palmerston Forts Society (PFS) aims to educate the public about Fort Nelson and Victorian fortifications, supporting their improvement for public benefit. To further this goal, PFS offers financial grants of up to £1,000 for projects focused on preserving and recording Victorian forts.read more ...
Easyfundraising We have now registered with a new scheme called easyfundraising. Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself. read more ...