News

Exciting news about Eastney Fort East

Earlier this week, a delegation from the Palmerston Forts Society met with the new owners of the site of the former Royal Marines Museum which includes the battery. The owners plan to develop the site into Portsmouth's first five star hotel. We were invited to discuss options for the future of the battery site.
 The owners were very open to a range of possibilities. Their ideas range from simply stabilising and securing the site to developing it as a museum. It could become a garden / function area for the hotel guests similar to the current status of the Eastney Battery West. Museum options could include developing it in a way that represents its original function or using the location for a thematic museum - perhaps related to its previous use as a radar establishment or its role in the "Cockleshell Heroes" raid. Nothing is decided.
 The new owners have strong connections to Portsmouth but have lived in Hong Kong for many years. They are very aware of the coastal defence history of the site and how similar installations in Hong Kong have been developed as heritage sites.
 The interaction with the owners was a refreshingly positive experience for PFS. We were asked "What would be best for the Fort?.... What would be best for Portsmouth? " and we were challenged to come up with more ideas.
 We have come away from the meeting with some actions, and we will get on with those, but this is a rare opportunity to make practical suggestions to developers whose minds are open. It is not often that someone with the resources and will to bring an old site back to life actually throws the question open to the public.
 The proximity of the battery to a five star hotel is great news for us - this will ensure its security - but how can the site be enhanced and given a sustainable future?

News

Lumps Fort recognised as Scheduled Monument

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. 
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Palmerston Forts Society Grants

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.
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Redan 85 has been posted to members

Redan 85  The new Palmerston Forts Society journal was distributed to paid-up members at this years AGM with the remainder being despatched via Royal Mail on Wednesday 23rd October.
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Easy Fund Raising

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.  
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40th Anniversary of the founding of the PFS

2024 marks the 40th year since the Palmerston Forts Society was formed. To commemorate this occasion a number of special events will be announced. Watch this space......