A Palmerston Fort in Gosport, Hampshire, that was built in the Victorian period in case the French attacked is to go under the hammer at auction.
Fort Gilkicker was completed in 1871 and is a semi-circular ark that was designed to protect the deep water anchorage at Spithead.
Palmerston Forts were named after the Prime Minister Lord Palmerston although by the time this one was completed the French threat had largely subsided. Land and property auctioneers Clive Emson will offer the fort at its next sale with a guide price of £1.5m.
Planning permission has been granted to develop the Grade II-listed building into 26 homes, which would have stunning views across the Solent.
It was built with 22 casemates – large rooms from which guns could be fired. Five bigger guns were mounted on the roof. Before the First World War the walls were further strengthened with earthwork embankments. The fort was used in the first and second world wars and since then it has been used variously as a plumbers’ workshop, signalling station and storage units.
The council owned it between 1986 and 1999 and since then it has been largely neglected Rob Marchant, auctioneer, said: “The fort is situated at Stokes Bay in Gosport and is a magnificent relic of the Victorian era, built between 1863 and 1871. These forts were also known as Palmerston’s Follies, partly because some were built with the guns facing inland, but also because the French threat had diminished.
“Napoleon III's foreign policy became aligned with Britain’s so the threat of a French fleet attacking was unlikely. Behind the curved building where the guns were situated is a two-storey barrack block originally occupied by the officers.
“Permission has been granted to convert the fort into an exclusive estate of 26 homes. There would be 22 in the former gun emplacements and four really big apartments in the barrack block. Changes would include removing the earth wall put up before the First World War, to open up some stunning views across the Solent.
“Having grown up locally the fort has always looked as it does now. It is a stunning opportunity for someone, a really exciting project. There is a beach at the front, a golf course at the back and amazing views. We have sold sea forts before but this is the first land-based one from this era that we’ve listed. It is unique.”
The sale will be held online on 28th July.
