Nothe Fort, located at the entrance of Weymouth Harbour in Dorset, England, is a historic coastal defense structure built between 1860 and 1872. Originally designed to protect Portland Harbour from potential French invasion, the fort is a classic example of Victorian military architecture, constructed in a D-shape with three levels and surrounded by deep dry moats. Though it never fired in anger, the fort served a vital role through both World Wars, adapting over time to meet the changing nature of conflict. Much of its significance lies in its extensive underground spaces, which were essential for storing ammunition, accommodating troops, and operating in secrecy.
The original fort features a complex network of underground magazines and tunnels that extend deep beneath the surface. These included shell and cartridge stores, passageways linking gun emplacements, and protected storage areas, all designed to minimize the risk of explosion and maximize efficiency in wartime. During World War II, the underground areas were further utilized for air raid protection and as command centres, as well as storage and distribution of anti-aircraft ammunition. These subterranean chambers were designed to be self-contained and robust, emphasizing the fort’s role as a secure stronghold.
The Royal Navy sold the fort to Weymoth council in 1961. In 1980 Weymouth Civic Society started restoring the fort with a view to developing it as a tourist attraction.
In 1983, in the Cold War period, parts of the fort’s underground infrastructure were adapted into a council Emergency Control Centre. Designed to withstand a nuclear blast, these updated facilities included reinforced operations rooms, secure communications, and living quarters, showing a dramatic shift in the fort’s strategic role. This conversion is still visible today and remains one of the most striking features of the site, offering a rare glimpse into Cold War civil defence planning.
After falling into disrepair in the mid-20th century, Nothe Fort was rescued in the 1980s by a group of dedicated local volunteers. The underground areas, many of which had been bricked up, flooded, or decayed, were carefully excavated, restored, and made accessible to the public. Volunteers played a crucial role in uncovering hidden chambers, restoring signage, and re-creating historically accurate displays of both Victorian military life and Cold War operations. Today, these restored underground spaces offer visitors a unique and immersive historical experience, showcasing the fort’s layered past and the community effort behind its preservation.
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