Sandown Fort

The construction of Sandown Fort commenced in 1861 with the purpose of serving as the third defensive stronghold for safeguarding the potential invasion coastlines of Sandown and Shanklin. Initially, the fortification was designed to accommodate a total of eighteen 9-inch R.M.L cannons. The frontal facade was constructed using substantial granite stones, often weighing over six tonnes, which were transported via barge to Brading and subsequently transported by road cart to their designated location. Additional fortifications were constructed using brick materials, with specific sections reinforced by the addition of iron plate to enhance their defensive capabilities.

Numerous modifications occurred during the earliest phases of planning and construction, resulting in the eventual installation of 11-inch 18-ton guns into seaward casemates, fortified with an extra layer of 5-inch armour. Several modifications were made to the firearms throughout the subsequent years. During the initial years of the 20th Century, the fort underwent a transformation to exclusively serve as a site for gunnery practise. This involved the installation of six additional 5-inch B.L. guns and three 3-inch Q.F. guns on its upper level.

The fort had a change of ownership in 1930, transitioning into private hands. Subsequently, it gained recognition not just for its current Tiger Zoo, but also for its significant involvement in 1943 as a site for the PLUTO pumping station and port. A freshly refurbished engine from the PLUTO pumping station is now being shown.

• Palmerston Forts Society Sandown Fort – PDF
• http://www.subterraneanhistory.co.uk/2009/07/sandown-fort-isle-of-wight.html

• PDF’s are reproduced with kind permission of the Palmerstonforts Society
• Video – Isle of Wight Archive