It was built to defend the landward approaches to the North East of Plymouth.

This was part of an overall scheme for the defence of the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport, Plymouth.

Designed by Captain (later Maj General) Edmund Frederick Du Cane,[1] it was built by George Baker and Company and finished by the Royal Engineers.

In the 1890s a moveable armament shed was built on the parade ground to house two 5-inch Breech Loading guns.

By the early 1900s the Fort had become obsolete as a defensive position and was disarmed.