Description

PORTLAND

SY67SE
969-1/1/197

INCLINE ROAD, H.M. Naval Base
(South side)
East Weare Batteries at SY 694 741

GV
II

Disused gun emplacement. c1870. Portland stone, some concrete
and iron. Remains of 3 platforms plus magazine. A central
magazine with earth-covered revetment has a platform on the
axis to the NE, flanked by a platform to each side at 30
degrees; behind the magazine on the main axis is a small
single-celled unroofed building. All is sunk into the slopes
of The Verne on its N side and with a series of sunken
passageways surrounding the central mound. The central
platform has a semi-circular end in ashlar to a heavy rounded
parapet at ground level; there are 4 vertical embrasures with
segmental heads alternating with 5 mid-height square recesses
with iron bolts and rings. To each side a straight run of
rock-faced masonry wall runs approx 8m at approx 2.5m height
to a bold weathered coping, and returns at an obtuse angle for
approx 8m at same height, each with a central deep square
recess at pavement level. The centre of the emplacement has a
raised circular base in stone and concrete, with a central
iron pivot or spigot, and a ramp towards the magazine mound.
Each of the flanking platforms has a semi-octagonal
termination. Each emplacement has a small stone plaque
inscribed: LEVEL OF TOP OF RACER ABOVE HWM 216 FT.
Axially to the SW is the mound over the magazine, with a small
square vent in rock-faced stone. Retaining the mound on the SW
side is an ashlar wall approx 20m long and 4.5m high, raked at
either end above paired arched openings with bold rock-faced
jambs and voussoirs; openings filled with concrete blockwork.
Remains of a square-plan building approx 4m SW.
The battery can be seen from the higher slopes of The Verne
and commanded Portland Harbour to its SE.

Listing NGR: SY6944474052

Recommended Books

• 
  Northamptonshire: Buildings of England Series (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Maintaining and Repairing Old Houses: A Guide to Conservation, Sustainability and Economy
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  Oxfordshire: North and West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Nottinghamshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair
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  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)