Description

MILITARY ROAD
1.
5232
Fort Grange
SU 50 SE 1/80
II
2.
Circa 1860. One of a series of forts, and virtually identical with Forts Brockhurst
and Rowner. A polygonal fort, 6-sided and symmetrical, formerly surrounded by 2 moats,
of which only part of the inner one around the keep survives. The 2 outer lines make
a very obtuse angle, at which point a caponier projects; this has a series of rifle
loops above 3 gun casemates, facing the line of the former moat. The north-west and
south-west shoulders are approached by ramps from a central position; at these points
caponiers face the moat of the flanks. From the flanks small barrack ranges follow
the lines of the gorge, continuing as a high wall across the moat of the keep.
The general section of the main lines had a moat and then an earthen rampart supported
at the rear by storage casemates, still intact; the top had open gun emplacements with
interior sunken and vaulted expense magazines. The flanks are of 2-storeys, with Haxo
casemates above a series of ground level casemates. The circular 'keep of last resort'
is surrounded by a moat; the outer face has gun loops and several rifle loops, some
within small caponiers. The centre of the keep is a circular courtyard with a
2-storeyed barrack elevation; a roadway passes along the axis, crossing the moat (now
partly filled) via drawbridges, and has round-arched portals. The high earthwork above
the keep provided gun emplacements, capable of firing across the parade.
There are many surviving details and the main structure is intact; however, earthworks
have been reduced and much of the moat filled in.

Listing NGR: SU5870301371

External Links

• Historic England Listing

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  London 1: The City of London: City of London v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes (For Pros By Pros)
• 
  Essex: Buildings of England Series (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Old House Care and Repair
• 
  For the Record
• 
  London 6: Westminster (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England): Westminster v. 6