Penlee Battery
Plymouth Fortifications
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Diagram of an 8" Elswick disappearing gun mounting a smaller version of the Penlee point gun. Ref: Fort Brockhurst information boards |
This is all that remains of what was one of the most impressive weapons of the Victorian age. This small exposed patch of concrete is the only visible sign of Penlee batteries 13.5" disappearing gun. This massive 69 ton gun was the largest disappearing gun in the country, mounted in 1894 it was replaced in 1907 by a 9.2" gun.
The gun operated on an Elswick designed system that raised the gun for firing and lowered it into the pit for reloading. Two smaller 6" disappearing guns also existed at the battery in its two westerly emplacements. The gun was powered by ingenious mechanism that included a large pit containing a tank weighted with scrap iron. A large two storey underground magazine was also built but now lays buried beneath the earth banks.
The installation of this impressive weapon was a major project. It was started in 1889 and the barrel landed at Penlee point steps in 1892 before its transfer up the hill for mounting in 1894. A small harbour with its giant steps had to be built below Penlee point just to land the weapon.