CASTLES GOSPORT

Fort Blockhouse in Gosport holds the distinction of being believed to be the oldest continuously fortified military position in the United Kingdom still in active military use. First established as a blockhouse in 1431 under Henry VI, and later rebuilt in 1539 as an eight-gun battery by Henry VIII, the fort has evolved through five centuries of service. Surrounded by water on three sides, it commands the best views of Portsmouth Harbour's entrance. The site has transformed from a submarine base established in 1905 as HMS Dolphin to a training facility and now serves strategic military functions. Its historic structures and commanding waterfront location make it a significant landmark in Hampshire's maritime defence heritage.

Fort Rowner is a Palmerston Fort built between 1858 and 1862 in Gosport by architect William Crossman to guard Portsmouth's approach from potential southern Hampshire landings. Designed as part of the outer defence line alongside Fort Brockhurst, Fort Elson, Fort Grange, and Fort Gomer, the fort played a strategic role in 19th-century coastal defence. After its guns were dismounted in 1902, the fort served as naval barracks and a Royal Navy degaussing establishment, with brief re-armament during World War I for anti-aircraft defence. Now a Grade II listed building situated within the perimeter of HMS Sultan, Fort Rowner remains inaccessible to the general public except during Heritage Open Days each September, preserving its military character for future generations.