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The Palmerston Forts Society was formed in 1984 and brings together enthusiasts who have an active interest in nineteenth century military fortifications and associated artillery worldwide, but particularly within Hampshire, and is focussed on the ring of forts that protected Portsmouth.
The Society is based at Fort Nelson, Fareham, in one of the Great Portsdown Forts built during the 1860’s to defend Portsdown Hill from occupation by an invading army. Had an enemy been positioned on the hill, then Portsmouth harbour and dockyard would have been vulnerable to artillery fire.
Today Fort Nelson is run by Royal Armouries as their Museum of Artillery, and has recently undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment transforming it to museum for the 21st century.
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:
Volunteers are needed to help bring gun firing back to Fort Nelson in Portsmouth. The Portsdown Artillery Volunteers (PAV) were established to reenact the firing of the Victorian guns at Fort Nelson on Portsdown Hill and they are looking to recruit new volunteers to help both fire and maintain the mighty Victorian guns. If you are interested in joining the Portsdown Artillery Volunteers and demonstrating this forgotten part of Britain’s history, you can contact the team at enquiries@palmerstonfortssociety.org.uk or you can talk to some of the volunteers at their Fort Nelson open day between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 22 Octoberread more ...
The PFS is saddened to announce the passing of a founding member and great friend of the PFS - David Moore - a person of vast Victorian fortifications knowledge. The delay in advising the membership is out of respect for David's family who did not want it to be publicised until after his funeral.
The online auction on the Clive Emson site has just ended with Fort Gilkicker being sold for £1.386 million against a guide price of £1.5 million. There were four bidders willing to pay at least £1.35 million. We also have just had a recent report that intruders to the site – which is hardly secure – have done more permanent damage to the barracks block. We can only hope that the new owner – whatever their intentions – gets this site secure and safe very soon.
The BBC website has just announced the following.... 'A derelict sea fort built to deter a French invasion in the 19th Century has been sold for £715,000.read more ...