Club Visit to Fort Nelson

The Editor is indebted to Godfrey Bennet Ball for providing the narrative and photos from this recent club visit.

An intrepid group of Probus members, led by Social Secretary Derek Armitage (note the bright and flamboyant Rupert Bear scarf), set off from Salisbury on a bright winter’s day on 6 March to visit Fort Nelson which overlooks Portsmouth harbour from Portsdown Hill.  (Photographer’s apologies to Colin and Edith Colston who were obscured in the shadows at the back of the group)

Instigated by Lord Palmerston in 1860, Fort Nelson was a major part of a ring of fortifications designed to protect the naval base below at a time of growing military anxiety over the ambitions of our usual foe across the channel.

Ironically the threat of invasion evaporated, and Fort Nelson and its neighbours were never put to the test: such was the pace of change both in technology and international relations. By the time the fortifications were nearly finished, France had been invaded and defeated by Prussia.

Because the forts were not used to repel an invasion, and perhaps because it seemed as though the forts pointed the wrong way (their guns aim inland), they soon became known locally as ‘Palmerston’s Follies’.

Nevertheless Fort Nelson itself is a surprisingly expansive and fascinating place and well worth the visit which was enjoyed by all.  There are many artefacts, museum galleries, tunnels and ramparts to explore.

Our centurion, Ron Collins, was heard to announce that he had visited before in 1936 at the age of 15 to witness the visit of King George VI !

Afterwards the group re-assembled at the Red Lion in Southwick to enjoy a very convivial lunch, much banter and an inevitable swapping of war stories.  Great fun!

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If you would like to visit Fort nelson, more details are available here