It is one of the many Palmerston Forts built on the island to protect it in response to a perceived French invasion.

The fortifications, a total of 70 forts and batteries, were constructed around the English coast as a result of the commission's findings, representing the largest programme of coastal defence works since the time of Henry VIII.

[1] The battery is located atop a 140 ft (43 m) high cliff on the coast just southwest of Sandown.

There were concerns raised at an early stage that erosion at the base of the cliff could affect the stability of the parapet wall.

By 1902, after further works that included the construction of underground magazines, the battery had a pair of BL 6 inch Mk VII naval guns and a pair of QF 12 pounder 12 cwt naval guns.