Verne Citadel

Verne Citadel stands on Verne Hill, the highest point of Portland in Dorset. Built between 1857 and 1881, it was designed to defend Portland Harbour with open gun emplacements on three sides. A deep ditch cut into the south and west sides made the north and east sides naturally inaccessible. East Weare Battery and East Weare Camp formed part of its outer defences. The citadel’s layout shows how seriously the Victorians took coastal fortification. The fort served as an infantry barracks by 1903 and later became the Coast Artillery Headquarters in both world wars. During the Second World War a radar set was installed and the main magazine turned into a hospital. After military use ended in 1949 it became a Category C prison holding 575 men. In 2013 it briefly housed an immigration removal centre for 600 detainees before returning to prison use in 2017–18. Visitors find a scheduled monument with Grade II* listed entrances and casemates. The north entrance railings survive from the original construction. Inside, the blacksmith’s shop, chapel, gymnasium and Governor’s house remain. Outside, the Verne High Angle Battery and East Weare Battery add to the site’s military history. The views over Portland Harbour show why this position was chosen.