Fort Amherst

Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent, is Britain's largest Napoleonic fortress, constructed between April and October 1756 during the Seven Years' War to defend Chatham Dockyard and the River Medway from French invasion threats. The fortification was significantly expanded during the subsequent Napoleonic Wars and served as a civil defence centre during both World Wars. The extensive underground tunnel system, which characterizes the fort's formidable design, remains open for guided tours during seasonal hours: April through September 08:00-18:00 and October through March 08:00-16:00, with free general entry. Managed by the Fort Amherst Heritage Trust since the 1980s, the charity continues ongoing restoration work on this vast site, preserving its military significance and making it an important historical attraction for visitors interested in Britain's Napoleonic-era defences.