The hexagonally shaped fort was the main stronghold for the south east coastline of the Isle of Wight and was designed as a final retreat if the island was to be invaded.

[1] The fort had barrack accommodation for 4 officers and 106 men with an original armament of six RBL 7 inch Armstrong guns mounted on the parapet side.

Two heavily armoured cables ran from the fort to the sea to form an indicator loop which was used to detect any passing metal objects.

1965: Purchased by Isle of Wight County Council, becomes a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

A team of volunteers from the National Trust began clearing the debris from the fort in 2005 and this work is still ongoing.