One thats very local to me, finally went back to get some half decent pics. Visited with dumptyboy..
During the Napoleonic Wars, a chain of coastal fortifications were built around the UK, with St. Catherine's Island chosen as a site due to its prominence and proximity to the ports of Pembroke and Milford. Work began in 1868, the building contractor being Mr. George Thomas of Orielton Terrace, Pembroke Dock. Whilst excavating the foundations deep into the rock, the ruins of a chapel were removed, together with an Egyptian effigy, bones of a human skeleton, and some Roman coins, work was finally completed in 1870, it was subsequently fortified and garrisoned but the guns were never fired in anger.
In 1907 the Island was sold privately for £500, and eventually by way of further sale, found its way into the hands of the wealthy Windsor - Richards family, who were involved in the South Wales Iron and Steel Industry. The elegance of their occupation is well remembered, with the main hall carpeted with animal skins, glass trophy cabinets, Tapestries, and many Stag heads and hunting trophies bedecking the walls. The principal rooms were furnished in period styles, with the main hall containing its huge open fireplace being a focal point for numerous lavish celebrations, in particular, the Tenby Hunt Ball.
Around 1920 the family left Tenby, and much of the furniture and decor from the Fort was sold in the Town, and is still can be found within homes in the locality. Today the Fort lies derelict, stripped of its former elegance, but steeped in character, and history.
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and finally some nice views of tenby from the roof
During the Napoleonic Wars, a chain of coastal fortifications were built around the UK, with St. Catherine's Island chosen as a site due to its prominence and proximity to the ports of Pembroke and Milford. Work began in 1868, the building contractor being Mr. George Thomas of Orielton Terrace, Pembroke Dock. Whilst excavating the foundations deep into the rock, the ruins of a chapel were removed, together with an Egyptian effigy, bones of a human skeleton, and some Roman coins, work was finally completed in 1870, it was subsequently fortified and garrisoned but the guns were never fired in anger.
In 1907 the Island was sold privately for £500, and eventually by way of further sale, found its way into the hands of the wealthy Windsor - Richards family, who were involved in the South Wales Iron and Steel Industry. The elegance of their occupation is well remembered, with the main hall carpeted with animal skins, glass trophy cabinets, Tapestries, and many Stag heads and hunting trophies bedecking the walls. The principal rooms were furnished in period styles, with the main hall containing its huge open fireplace being a focal point for numerous lavish celebrations, in particular, the Tenby Hunt Ball.
Around 1920 the family left Tenby, and much of the furniture and decor from the Fort was sold in the Town, and is still can be found within homes in the locality. Today the Fort lies derelict, stripped of its former elegance, but steeped in character, and history.
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
and finally some nice views of tenby from the roof
