Ryde Fort (Solent)

In order to enhance the security of the Spithead anchorage and the inner approaches to Portsmouth Harbour, there was a proposal in 1860 to establish a series of forts in the Solent. The construction of the ‘Ghost’ Solent fort, located in the Ryde Sands region, did not take place.

There were some challenges with the foundations once work commenced. The contractors made several attempts to address the challenges posed by the sands and blue slipper clay, but unfortunately, they were unable to find a viable solution.

In order to enhance the safety and stability of the roadways and anchoring in Ryde, the government has proposed the construction of a smaller fort at St. Helen’s.

Politics

Henry John Temple, the son of Viscount Palmerston of Ireland, was born on October 29, 1784, in Broadlands, Hampshire. Following his father’s death on April 16, 1802, he inherited the Irish peerage and attended Harrow School and St. John’s College, Cambridge.