List of Palmerston Forts at Portsmouth

The Palmerston Forts that encircle Portsmouth were built in response to the 1859 Royal Commission dealing with the perceived threat of a French invasion.

These man-made island forts were originally built to protect the eastern approaches to Portsmouth Harbour from attack by enemy forces.

The four armour-plated forts were designed by Captain E. H. Stewart, overseen by Assistant Inspector General of Fortifications, Colonel W. F. D. Jervois.

These forts are located along Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth, and were a response to advancing weapons technology.

The forts were intended to prevent a hostile force landing further along the coast, approaching Portsmouth from the mainland, taking the tactical high ground to the north of the dockyard.