Fort Grange

Fort Grange stands on the southern edge of Gosport as one of the Palmerston Forts, built between 1858 and 1863 to close a gap in the outer defence line. It sits alongside Fort Brockhurst, Fort Elson, Fort Rowner and Fort Gomer, forming a ring of protection around the harbour. The fort’s design matches Brockhurst and Rowner almost exactly, with a Grade II listing recognising its historic importance. In 1914 the Royal Garrison Artillery stationed a siege company here, later forming two siege batteries. By 1917 the fort had become home to Robert Smith-Barry’s School of Special Flying, training pilots in advanced techniques. The fort’s military role continued through the First World War, when a 1-pounder anti-aircraft gun was mounted on a mobile carriage. From 1910 it served as a headquarters, but by 1983 it had fallen into disrepair. Earthworks and moats have been reduced over time, though the main structure remains largely intact. In 1984 the fort was taken over by HMS Sultan’s Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps, which still uses the site today. Visitors find a solid brick fort with surviving gun emplacements and parade grounds, set within a quiet grassy enclosure. The layout shows the original defensive plan, with clear lines of fire across the surrounding land. Some internal buildings survive, including the headquarters block and barrack rooms. The aerodrome area, once used for flying training, is now part of the cadet base. From the ramparts there are views over Gosport and the harbour beyond.