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Several generations of Portsmouth people have given the nickname Palmerston's Folly to the Victorian forts on Portsdown Hill. The forts on the crest of the hill overlooking the town and harbour face inland and to some people look the wrong way. The development of new armaments plus the perceived threat of invasion led Prime Minster, Lord Henry Palmerston, to commission a revue and implement new defences to strengthen Portsmouth and the surrounding area. If there were an attack on Portsmouth from the north, none of the existing fortifications would be able to protect the dockyard and harbour against bombardment from Portsdown Hill. Widley Fort was built in 1861 to defend the City of Portsmouth from sea and land attack. This enormous fort is surrounded by a dry moat with impressive mortar batteries should anyone feel the urge to attack in times gone by. These are accessed from tunnels deep underground the parade ground. A central spiral stairway gives access to four main tunnels, which lead to the barrack block and caponiers.
Having previously worked with Norie Miles and Dark Encounters at Southsea Castle, we we’re invited once again to film a Charity Ghost Hunt at Fort Widley. Special Guests for this event were David Wells (Most Haunted) and Entertainer Pat Cruise. This was a highly enjoyable evening with a very funny set from Pat Cruise and then the walk round the fort. Alan managed to pick up on many light anomalies around the tunnels (and a lot of dust!). |
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MEV Productions / Spiral © 2008 |
