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Built in 1855, and based on the Martello Tower design of the Napoleonic period, the battery was part of the River Medway defences. During WW1 and WW2, modifications were made, including the observation tower and accommodation block. Its main function throughout both wars was to act as an anti-submarine battery, and general defensive post. A heavy chain linked it to Garrison Point Fort, on the Sheerness side of the estuary, in an attempt to stop enemy shipping entering the narrow channel between the two points. However, this was removed long ago.
A warning for anyone thinking of visiting the tower - there are a couple of large holes in the lower floors of the structure which drop a long way either onto concrete or into the water. One is particularly dodgy because it's in a pitch dark room. Always take a torch, and tread carefully!
NOTE: all enlarged images open in a pop-up window, so blocking software should be switched off.
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Image reference: CRW_0032
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The view along the causeway to the tower. |
Image reference: CRW_0035
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The causeway is passable approximately 2 hours either side of low tide, but due to the shallow gradient of the mudflats, it becomes covered rapidly once the water begins to rise. |
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Image reference: CRW_0039
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A closer view of the building. The newer additions can clearly be seen, attached to the original structure. The chain wrapped around the base was installed to strengthen the structure and reduce the damage caused in the event of a torpedo strike. |
Image reference: CRW_0044
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A slightly more artistic view of the tower... |
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Image reference: CRW_0049
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The view back to the mainland from in amongst the concrete supports of the accommodation block. |
Image reference: CRW_0051
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The base of the shell hoist which lifted shells from the storage rooms to the (now removed) guns. |
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Image reference: CRW_0053
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'blitz' posing in one of the grated windows of the original structure. |
Image reference: CRW_0055
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'peroXide' heading up a spiral staircase in the original structure. |
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Image reference: CRW_0057
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The urinals in the accommodation block. |
Image reference: CRW_0064
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'blitz' looking in through the reinforced steel door of the Battery Office. Unfortunately the graffiti seen here is not a rare case - most rooms have been vandalised in some way. |
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Image reference: CRW_0065
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More graffiti in the Battery Office. Despite the walking and climbing involved to get to the tower, it seems plenty of people have taken the time and effort to head out here with cans of spraypaint! |
Image reference: CRW_0066
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The Battery Office door from the outside - 'Shit hot' apparently... |
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Image reference: CRW_0068
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An earlier image showed the base of the shell hoist - and here's the top of it! The gun platform is just behind where this photo was taken from. |
Image reference: CRW_0072
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The raised gun platform next to the top of the shell hoist. Sheerness docks can be seen on the far side of the estuary. |
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Image reference: CRW_0078
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The view back to Grain from the very top of the observation tower. The rusty railings, at the bottom of the image, are broken and very insecure in places, so leaning against them isn't advised! |
Image reference: CRW_0083
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One of the observation tower's reinforced steel doors. In strong winds, these repeatedly blow open and then bang shut, shaking the entire tower and creating a huge 'bang' which ehcoes throughout the entire building. |
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Image reference: CRW_0090
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'blitz' admiring the view from the top of the observation tower. |
Image reference: CRW_0092
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Vandalism in the accommodation block. The photo was taken whilst standing in the dining room, and through the hole is the kitchen. |
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Image reference: CRW_0097
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'blitz' heading back down the spiral staircases, ready to head back across the causeway to the mainland. |
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