MEDWAY DISTRICT
Forts and Defences
SOME FORTS AND DEFENCES IN KENT ARE KNOWN TO HAVE ACTIVITY, AS MENTIONED BELOW AND SOME ALLOW INVESTIGATIONS AND PARANORMAL NIGHTS, WHILE OTHERS HAVE NO EVIDENCE GATHERED, SO THEY COULD BE BUZZING WITH ACTIVITY FOR ALL WE KNOW, JUST WAITING TO BE EXPLORED.
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It should not be assumed that these sites are all publicly accessible at all times and it may be on private property. Please check first and get permission, if necessary....Do not trespass!
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CLICK ON PICTURE FOR THE BUSINESS WEBSITE
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If you hear of any reports of Paranormal Activity at any of the listed places that arent reported here, or you know of any not mentioned please get in touch Thankyou
1. BORSTAL FORT
Fort Road, Rochester ME1
No Website Private residence
**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
Ghosthuntevents was one of the teams that had the opportunity to visit Fort Borstal for an investigation. It was believed to have some paranormal activity and spirits present.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE
**HISTORY**
Fort Borstal was strategically located on high ground, providing a commanding view of the western approach to Chatham and holding the high ground southwest of Rochester. This location was crucial for its role in the defence of the United Kingdom.
Fort Borstal was not a part of the original plan but was built as an afterthought of the 1859 Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom. Construction, which started in 1875 using convict labour,
In October 1878 a young convict named Charles Grayson was undergoing a five year sentence at Borstal Prison and part of a work party at the Fort. He was killed instantly after a large quantity of earth fell on him, breaking his neck.
The build was suspended in 1885 due to various reasons but the fort, which had a unique polygonal design, was finally completed around 1895, showcasing the architectural and engineering prowess of the time.
It was not armed initially, but an anti-aircraft battery was based there in the Second World War.
An 18 in (457 mm) gauge railway line connected the four Chatham ring forts of Borstal, Bridgewoods, Horsted and Luton. A rope-worked incline led west from Fort Borstal to a gravel pit and wharf on the River Medway. About 600 yards (550 m) of track remains intact at Fort Borstal.
Over the years, Fort Borstal has seen a significant transformation. From its use as a pig farm and a store for the nearby Young Offenders Institution, to its unsuccessful attempt at becoming a museum, and finally its conversion into private living accommodation, the fort has witnessed a variety of uses and changes.
After 20 years, the owner put it up for sale in 2022, stating he needed to downsize. The asking price was £1,500,000. It was last sold on 14 July 2023, valued at £2,200,000, making it the most expensive property in ME1 3NN.
2. AMHERST FORT
Dock Road Chatham ME4
**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
With so much history, the area has very high levels of paranormal activity, and there are opportunities to investigate one of Kent's most haunted locations. So, if you fancy an investigation here or even a ghost tour, check out GofEPS Events in Kent page.
It is said that there is not a single recess that has not been the scene of something unexplained. Tales have been handed down through history and generations, but all are said to be true! A young girl called Meredith is said to be a resident spirit there, and a young boy known as the gunpowder monkey, possibly the same boy that haunts one of the passageways and likes to pull on women's skirts. Footsteps were heard, people were touched, and other unexplained noises were made while people visited. The plotting room is said to be haunted by a faceless ghost, and there are reports from witnesses of seeing a male figure dressed in a Victorian long dress coat and a black top hat. Phantom Drumming and a female ghost nicknamed Lily of the Valley. A ghostly soldier dressed in red was seen, and the sounds of women and children crying were also heard; some people even reported having small children's dust prints on their clothes after leaving the Fort.
2010 Compass Paranormal's Charity Event in Aid of 'Help for Heroes' was at Fort Amherst in Kent with Guests Barrie John, 'Angel Lady' Jacky Newcomb, Richard Felix, Roy Roberts and Special Guest Frank Bruno. Check out their YouTube video HERE.
Boleyn Paranormal uploaded a YouTube video of what they think is a light anomaly of a paranormal nature, adding to the mystique and intrigue surrounding Fort Amherst. You can view that HERE
The Most Haunted Experience also visited the Fort in 2015, further cementing its reputation as a location of significant paranormal activity.
Paranormal Investigation nights are now being held there, so if you fancy an investigation, check out the GofEPS Events in Kent page for events.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE
**HISTORY**
The area's history, spanning over 3000 years, is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. It boasts a Saxon burial ground, a Roman mosaic, and the original site of Old Chatham, all of which add to its historical significance and are sure to pique the interest of any history buff.
In 1667, the Dutch fleet inflicted heavy damage on the dockyard. Defences were planned for the dockyard from 1708, and the military acquired the land.
In 1755, the 'Prince of Wales Bastion, 'Prince Williams Bastion', 'Kings Bastion', 'Prince Edwards Bastion', 'Prince Henry's Bastion' and 'Prince Frederick Bastion' were built. These and the ditches, built during the Seven Years' War (1756–63), became known as the Chatham Lines and were entered by four gateways with bridges.
In 1757, an infantry barracks for a troop garrison was built to man the defences.
The lines were enhanced and strengthened during the American Revolutionary War (1778–83). The design's strong points were two Redoubts - 'Amherst' (at the southern end) and 'Townsend' (at the northern end). Amherst Redoubt later became Fort Amherst. Each was equipped with 14 42-pounders, 10 9-pounders, 8 6-pounders and 2 4-pounder guns.
In 1779, during construction, workers found an existing foundation of a Roman building. Several finds, including pieces of Roman brick and tile, were made. Roman coins, including one of the Empress Faustina and one of the Emperor Claudius, were also found.
During the Napoleonic Wars between 1803 and 1815, the Chatham defences were enlarged and strengthened. They were transformed into a citadel designed to hold out even if the other defences around the Royal Dockyard were breached. As part of this, two batteries were constructed—the Upper and Lower Cornwallis Batteries. These were sited to dominate Chatham town and the bend in the river.
Prisoners from St Mary's Island worked on extending the tunnels and creating vast underground stores and shelters, new magazines, barracks, gun batteries, and guardrooms. More than 50 smooth-bore cannon were also mounted. The last building was completed in about 1820. A maze of tunnels dug into the chalk cliffs was used to move ammunition around the Fort.
The entire fortified area was used as a training ground during the Victorian era, and practice sieges became so popular that they attracted thousands of visitors to Chatham.
Fort Amherst was also used as a civil defence centre in both World Wars.
It then became neglected and derelict, with nature taking over.
In 1959, the site was scheduled as an ancient monument.
In the late 1970s, a group of enthusiasts gained permission from the Ministry of Defence to start tidying up the site and restore the Fort.
In 1980, the Fort Amherst and Lines Trust purchased the Fort from the ministry and began holding public open days.
It has been in a near-constant state of restoration since by the Fort Amherst Heritage Trust. This charity works hard to manage and maintain the vast site whilst returning its grounds and buildings to their original state.
The Fort was a filming location for the 1986 Warner Bros. film The Mission, the 2011 film Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and the 2015 BBC TV adaptation of Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime.
I found two civilian deaths that occurred in the area:
On 20th October 1866, in a late hour of the evening, a young man, James King, aged about 17 years of age met with his death falling over the deep trench surrounding Chatham Garrison at that part of the fortifications near the Cornwallis Battery and Fort Amhurst. He had gone out for a walk with an acquaintance named Cooke. Two females shortly joined them, and they proceeded around the rear of the Chatham barracks by the path skirting the deep trench, separated by a fence. After a short distance, King told the others to carry on; he would find somewhere to sit down. When he didn't catch up with them, Cooke called out for him. With no response, they left and went home. Twenty minutes later, lance-Corpral William Turner and Mary Ann Brenchley were in the area. They heard loud groans coming from the trench and raised the alarm. Lights shone into the trench and found James King lying quite insensible at the bottom with a severe fracture of the skull and other injuries. He was rescued from the trench and taken to the Melville hospital but died from his injuries a few hours later. Verdict - Accidental Death.
On 14th September 1885, A mysterious death - The remains of a man had been found at the foot of one of the gullies at Fort Amhurst. He had been dead for several hours. He was identified as George Gibbs of North Grove in Finchley. No further information was found
3. HORSTED FORT
Primrose Close Chatham ME4
**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
Fast gaining a reputation for being one of the most paranormal active venues in the South East of England and a great place to visit, with its many dark and eerie tunnels. There have been reports of a large, shaggy black dog seen wandering the tunnels. Visitors have recorded the voice of a little girl. Shadowy figures in the tunnels and some areas are so scary that security guards refuse to visit! Negative energy is said to make visitors feel uncomfortable, sickly, and very nervous, and there are reports of the spirits of a mother and child walking the grounds in ancient clothing.
Zak, Nick, and Aaron have done a Ghost Adventures special episode there, and you can read their report HERE.
Paranormal Investigation nights are now being held there, so if you fancy an investigation, check out the GofEPS Events in Kent page for events.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE
**HISTORY**
Fort Horsted is a scheduled monument named after the surrounding area, the Horsted Valley. It is the largest of five Forts constructed around the Chatham shoreline.
Construction began in 1880, using convict labour from the newly constructed Borstal prison under the supervision of the Royal Engineers. The first features built were the central tunnel and casemates, constructed with bricks laid on timber formers and covered in several meters of concrete.
The Fort was completed in 1889 but never received the full complement of armaments for which it was designed. Its six-sided arrowhead shape included flank protections with machine guns in the counterscarp galleries. The Fort was created to house a garrison of approximately 400 men and women.
In 1902, Fort Horsted was equipped with seven machine guns but became obsolete by 1910.
The Fort formed part of Chatham's land defences in both World Wars. In World War I, brick emplacements and a pillbox were built on the ramparts, and during World War II, anti-aircraft (AA) guns were mounted at the Fort.
I have found a couple of reports on deaths at the Fort:
Tuesday, 5th March 1889, Fort Horsted was being constructed to protect Chatham Dockyard. A gang of six convicts was driving headway at the end of a subterranean passage leading to the interior of the Fort. It had been excavated to about the length of the tunnel, with indications of about twenty feet and about ten feet from the mouth of the tunnel. Indications of danger from the collapse of the crown of the archway had been observed, and precautions were taken to prevent it from falling in by fixing a strong network of timbers. Shortly after four in the afternoon, a perceptible movement of the earth was noticed, and the order was given to evacuate. But this was immediately followed by the fall of large quantities of loose rubble. The six convicts at work at the inner end of the tunnel hastily endeavoured to make their escape. The foremost man tumbled over a barrow left in the tunnel's centre. Three of the men managed to pass safely when a vast mass of earth fell, blocking up the opening within two feet of the top of the tunnel, crushing the woodwork, and burying the man who had stumbled over the barrow. The remaining two convicts desperately attempted to escape by climbing over the top of the fallen mass. They succeeded in crawling out at the top. Rescue parties desperately tried to reach the buried man. Still, It was not until half-four on Wednesday afternoon that the search party reached the body. They found him entangled in the fallen timber. He was a 38-year-old man named Charles Willis, who was undergoing a sentence of seven years. He was convicted at Gloucester on 19th October 1887 for sheep stealing. Verdict: Accidental Death with the opinion that greater care needed to be taken in the future.
On Saturday, 21st August 1909, William Podd, night watchman at Fort Horsted, was found dead. He was an old soldier and a pensioner from the Royal Marines. He served in the Ashanti and Egyptian Wars. He was last seen alive on the Friday night by Albert Crammer, an ordinance labourer, who lived at the Fort and seemed his usual self. His duty was to do the rounds at the Fort, and he would typically call Albert in the morning at six. When he didn't call, Albert thought something was wrong and went to his Guard room a few yards away and found Podd lying on his back on the floor; at first, he thought he was asleep, but when he touched his hand, it was quite cold. He had heard a noise about half ten that night but didn't check it out. Podd had his glasses on, and a book was on the table. The doctor found an abrasion on his left temple area, but there were no other external marks. A post-Morton found there was a fatty condition of the heart and that death may have been caused by heart failure. Verdict death by natural causes
In 1948, two missing dogs were found in the moat. One was a valuable bitch boxer dog, which was deceased with her neck broken.
In 1973, there was an inquiry into Fort Horsted. The council wanted to demolish the Fort with small explosives and build 80 or 120 private houses on the 20-acre site, but it is listed as an ancient monument; otherwise seek permission to fill in the 30 foot deep 25 ft dry moat, as it was deemed dangerous to animals and children and improve the buildings. They wanted higher and stronger fencing to keep the public out rather than encouraging access. They were permitted to preserve the green fringe on Horsted Way and existing views, build 80 houses, maintain the Fort gateway for historical interest, and fill the moat.
By the early 1990s, Fort Horsted was primarily deserted. A 1997 advert shows that Wouldham Car Breakers had an Austin Rover repairs centre on the premises. Still, the Fort was in a state of dereliction and desperately needed restoration.
It survives relatively intact today and is a business park. While it is in relatively good condition, its commercial use has seen some new construction and modification, significantly changing the original structure and features.The building is available for hire for events
4. LUTON FORT
Magpie Hall Road, Chatham, ME4
**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
Ghost Connections was given access in 2015 to investigate the tunnels and casement area. They picked up some strange noises when on a break and attempting to communicate. You can watch past paranormal events, visitors experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE
**HISTORY**
The Fort was ordered under the auspices of the 1859/60 Royal Commission on the Defences of the United Kingdom, a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the country's defences. However, Parliament deleted it to save money and divert funds to construct Sea Forts and other land forts. An 1869 'Report on the Construction Condition and Costs of Fortification' criticised the lack of landward protection for Chatham. It wasn't until 1872 that the Treasury allowed it, and Epps Farm, overlooking the Luton Valley, was purchased. However, it was not until 1876 that the War Office gave the order after approval by Parliament for construction to start. In 1877, work began, using convict labour from the newly constructed Borstal Prison, supervised by the Royal Engineers. and the light railway to bring up the materials from Borstal Creek jetty.
Despite slow progress due to financial constraints and the use of convict labour, the construction of the Fort continued with unwavering determination. The method adopted was to build all structures directly onto the rock, and no form of preparation tunnelling was attempted. Although the labour force constantly changed due to releases or transfers to other prisons, they persisted in their work.
In 1882, work stopped to reassess the plans. It restarted in 1886 when the decision was taken to delete one-quarter of the design from the plan, which meant the loss of the Main Magazine in the western corner. A well was also removed from the plan. Hence, the 4-inch water main had to be laid from Fort Horsted, and the proposed under-bridge caponier was never even started.
The Fort boasts a D-shaped rampart with two prepared earthen gun positions on each side, a unique feature that sets it apart. The front parapet was prepared for infantry defence. Beneath the rampart were four ammunition stores with vertical lifts to handling rooms on the rampart above. To the rear of the main rampart at the gorge of the Fort was a series of eight casemated barrack accommodation rooms for the garrison, ammunition stores and general stores, all of which were constructed from concrete. The casemates formed a protection plan for the ramparts from reverse fire, adding to the Fort's unique design.
The dry ditch was dug from 1886 to 1892, when the Fort was finally completed. The depth varied from 25 ft. to 30 ft. maximum, and the width at the base also varied, being wider on the face and at its narrowest on the southern and northern sides. It was 15 ft. wide, and the surplus soil covered the exposed buildings and formed the ramparts. There were six basic gun emplacements, two to each side and a pair overlooking Luton Valley. No armament on record has ever been issued to Fort Luton other than that brought in by units participating in the Annual Militia and Volunteer camps.
The final engineering installation was the drawbridge in 1892. It is a rare rolling bridge and possibly the only one still left in the UK.
For the next thirteen years, the Fort was used for summer camps and, in alternate years, the Chatham Siege Trials.
1907 was the last Siege Trial, the largest in scope and number of men employed, and was a rehearsal for a major war. Three breaches were made in the counterscarp wall, and three camoflets were created by explosions at the moat bottom. The "defenders" dug a large counter-mine shaft outwards from the base of the moat.
The breaches were repaired in 1908 by infilling with flint rubble, but the main counter-mine shaft was left. As a result, in 1914, the north scarp wall shifted slightly and had to be braced by a steel joist from off the top of the counterscarp wall.
From 1914 to 1919, the Fort played a vital role as an anti-aircraft battery and was used as a Transit Barracks for troops en route to Europe.
From 1920 to 1933, it was used as a military store.
In 1938, a conversion of the Fort to a Gun Operations Room began, and In August 1939, it opened for the 27th. AA Brigade (Thames and Medway South) Gun Defended Area for the control of Anti-Aircraft guns in the area. Brigadier Christian West Bayne-Jardine D.S.C. M.C. was in command until 1942, when he became the General Officer Commanding the 7th Anti-Aircraft Division, after which other officers of the same rank continued in command until December 1945.
From 1946 to 1961, the Army Cadet Force used the Fort, and the Territorial Army held its Summer camps there.
In the late 1950s, the Ministry of Defence sold the Fort and land to Kent County Council for £1 for 'educational uses'. However, the KCC just wanted the land on the north side to build the Fort Luton Boys Secondary School, and the Fort was abandoned. The ditch fell into rapid disuse and became an illegal dump for all refuse. A great pile of debris has been allowed to build up beneath and to either side of the drawbridge. The disuse of the ditch had also caused overgrowth of brambles and other vegetation.
In March 1988, Kent County Council sold the Fort at auction. The guide price was £10,000, but the Fort and a small parcel of land sold for £145,000. The new owner had hoped to develop the site, but planning permission was rejected due to the Fort's listed status. The Fort was sold again in auction in 1990 at a much lower cost.
It was sold to another private individual who converted the Fort into a tourist attraction and model museum. The museum's attractions included a model railway, a model workshop, dolls and dollhouse exhibition, a model village and fairground, bygone tools, Victorian-themed areas, an adventure playground, tea rooms, a petting area with goats and chipmunks, a duck pond, and a shop.
In 2001, the Fort closed and was again left to decay.
In 2012, a local enthusiast was inspired to take action upon learning that the Fort had fallen out of use and was no longer open to the public. He offered to buy the Fort to find a way to put it back into use. Over three years, various options were considered. It was eventually decided that the Fort should become a Community Interest Company. This decision was made to provide long-term revenue for the Fort's upkeep while also allowing the local community to access new and interesting events and learning opportunities and to enjoy the Fort's unique history and features.
In 2013, a small group of volunteers offered their help and restored parts of the Fort, preparing it for future use. This has allowed the volunteers to join a community and develop their skills. More volunteers are offering their time and skills to help give Fort Luton a new lease of life.
The Fort has statutory Scheduled Monument status.
They are open to the public on specific weekends, and it now has three museums. Museum 1 is the only museum in the UK dedicated to Dunkirk's entire story. Museum 2 is another unique educational experience where our visitors can learn about life for the civilian population in World War Two. Museum 3 is The Fort Luton Story. A playground area was created and completed with help from NCS (Medway Youth Trust) for families and children to enjoy, with a picnic area and a lovely pond.
The Fort is available for Private hire, comedy nights, and workshops.
5. SLOUGH FORT
Allhallows, Rochester, ME3
**PARANORMAL ACTIVITY**
Slough Fort Farm and Stables, located at the Fort, installed video equipment after several animals were attacked. However, what staff spotted on their cameras late at night has left them spooked. Check out the report on Kent online and the evidence HERE.
Essex Paranormal approached the farm and wanted to investigate, which also provoked interest from the locals.
. Paranormal Investigation nights are now being held there, so if you fancy an investigation, check out the GofEPS Events in Kent page for events.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE
**HISTORY**
Slough Fort is a Palmerston fort built at Allhallows-on-Sea, north of the Hoo Peninsula—a semi-circular form built from Kentish Rag stone and granite. The façade faces north to the coast and surrounds an open stone-flagged parade. Its name came from the now-disappeared Upper and Lower Slough farmsteads just west of the Fort. It was the first of the Royal Commission forts to be finished, intended to guard a vulnerable stretch of the Thames River. The War Office bought the land in 1861 for £1,639, and the Fort was built in 1867 with no construction problems.
Perched on a hillock above the marshy ground, Slough Fort was strategically positioned to withstand potential invasion from France, a testament to its historical significance and the crucial role it played in protecting the area.
The magazines were situated in the basement, on a gun floor consisting of 7 casements of 7-inch 7-ton guns protected by a smaller class of iron shields, 7 square feet. The terreplein above was prepared for three guns, with two expense magazines having lifts communicating with the lower floors. There was accommodation for three officers, non-commissioned officers and 70 men, with offices and water supply. The Escarp was 38 feet high and a gorge flanked by musketry. At first, a gate closed the entrance, but they felt this was insufficient protection, so they introduced a ditch and drawbridge. The cost started at £15,000, but after completion, alterations, and add-ons, the total cost became £27.343 (equivalent to £3,190,340 today). Due to the 1860s invasion scare, it was likely one of the smallest forts constructed. These design features were intended to provide maximum protection and functionality during the fort's active years.
Its seven casemates initially accommodated rifled breech-loading guns, which were replaced by more powerful breech-loaders on disappearing carriages mounted in concrete wing batteries on either side of the Fort by the turn of the century.
All guns were removed by 1912, though the Fort was used as a command post during the First World War.
The Army discontinued using the Fort in 1920, and in 1929, it was sold and converted into a small zoo.
In 1963, part of the old Fort, was adapted as a Riding School, adjoining a holiday camp, which eventually became a caravan park.
In 1968, through the local council, arrangements were made to infill the moat and level the surrounding area, permitting the western area to be used as a car park, with an amusement arcade and kiosks throughout the foreshore to cater for tourism. A children's area next to the mini golf course and a site near the new restaurant was reserved for a general-purpose hall. They also made provisions for a boating pool and were even considering a lido. In 1970, the car park was rejected due to the cost.
Today, Slough Fort stands as a testament to history, designated as a Grade II* listed building and a Scheduled Historic Monument by English Heritage, a recognition of its enduring legacy and the importance of preserving our past.
The Slough Fort Preservation Trust was formed in 2012, and the camp's owners funded a partial restoration in 2012–13 that uncovered previously buried features of the Fort. The trust continues to work towards the full restoration and preservation of the fort, ensuring its historical significance is maintained for future generations.
The Fort now offers guided tours from March to October. Check their website for details.