Built in the 1860s, Cliffe Fort was designed to protect the Thames from invasion. It was armed with 12.5-inch 38-ton and 11-inch 25-ton rifled muzzle-loading guns. Protection of these guns was provided by granite-faced casemates with shields for added defence. The shields, casemates and the rails on which the gun carriages stood are all still visible today.
Unfortunately, the place is flooded. I hope to return with a dinghy one day.
These tracks were for a Brennan guided torpedo installed in 1890. The torpedo worked by coiling huge lengths of wire around the two propellers, pulling the wires to drive it forward, and controlling individual speed to change direction.
It was used for twenty years before it was replaced by quick firing guns.
And a nice ship wreck outside
Unfortunately, the place is flooded. I hope to return with a dinghy one day.
These tracks were for a Brennan guided torpedo installed in 1890. The torpedo worked by coiling huge lengths of wire around the two propellers, pulling the wires to drive it forward, and controlling individual speed to change direction.
It was used for twenty years before it was replaced by quick firing guns.
And a nice ship wreck outside
