Nothe Fort

Nothe Fort stands on the Nothe Peninsula at the eastern end of Weymouth Harbour in Dorset. The fort was built between 1860 and 1872 by 26 Company of the Royal Engineers to defend Portland and Weymouth Harbours. It has a distinctive D-shape with bomb-proof casemates and deep magazines. After serving as a coastal defence until 1956, it was bought by the local council in 1961. Today it is one of the best-preserved forts of its kind in the country. The fort played a key role during the 19th and 20th centuries. It originally mounted heavy muzzle-loaded cannons, later replaced by breech-loading guns. In 1938 it became a central anti-aircraft ammunition depot for the south west. During the Second World War its guns fired a warning shot at two unidentified ships, which turned out to be refugees. The fort now houses a museum with models, wartime memorabilia and original cannons. Visitors walk through the fort’s three levels: the magazine, the gun casemates and the ramparts. The outer gateway and fusee steps in Nothe Gardens are listed structures. The museum displays include World War II artefacts and audio-visual exhibits. The courtyard hosts community events such as military festivals and concerts. The fort has been recognised as one of the spookiest locations in the UK.