BEMBRIDGE FORT

Bembridge Fort, which is owned by the National Trust, is situated on the highest point of Culver Down with superb views in all directions across the open countryside. It was built in 1862 to defend the eastern Solent against the threat of a French invasion – but the enemy never came and so it is known as one of ‘Palmerston’s follies’. During the First World War a cavalry unit was stationed there and during the Second World War all three armed forces had a presence.

Although fundamentally sound, many repairs are needed to fabric of the building and piles of rubbish have accumulated. As the fort is a Scheduled Monument permission must be obtained before any part of the structure can be worked on. This is time consuming but important as it ensures the integrity of the fort will be preserved and not lost to future generations.

Recently a team of volunteers from the Bembridge area has undertaken some basic clearance work and the interior of the fort is already looking much better. The fort is not normally open to the public but it is the intention of the National Trust to increase public access, which for the foreseeable future will have to be by guided tours. The inside is very basic and is not a ‘visitor attraction’ in the accepted sense, but for anyone interested in Island history, a tour of the fort should prove an informative experience. Tours, which must be pre-booked, last around an hour and there is a small charge of £2.50. Details can be obtained from the National Trust Estate Office on 741020 or by emailing isleofwight@nationaltrust.org.uk