| Summary : The Royal Citadel consists of a late 16th century artillery fort, superseded by and partially incorporated into a mid 17th century bastioned artillery defence with associated outworks. It is situated on the eastern part of Plymouth Hoe, a limestone cliff overlooking the strategically important entrance to the Cattewater in Plymouth Sound. The artillery fort, known as Drake's Fort or Plymouth Fort, was constructed between 1592 and 1598 to a perceived threat of attack by sea from the Spanish. The fort contained the captain's lodgings, barracks, a storehouse, stables, guardhouse, powderhouse and the medieval Chapel of St Katherine on the Hoe. Parts of the fort have been revealed by partial excavation. Drake's Fort was partially incorporated into the mid 17th century Citadel. Although much of the walling around the main area of the earlier fort was demolished as the Citadel was constructed, the lower fort was retained. The Citadel was constructed between 1665 and 1675 in response to another perceived threat of war, this time with the Dutch. Designed by Sir Bernard de Gomme, it was constructed as a six bastioned walled fortification. Within the Citadel fortifications, several buildings survive from the original 17th century internal layout, or incorporate 17th century features. These include the guardhouse, the Great Store and the Governor's and Lieutenant-Governor's House. The outworks of the Citadel include the lower fort, the north ravelin within the ditch, the ditch counterscarp, the covered way with the two place d'armes and the glacis. The main entrance, dated 1670 and situated in the north wall, was designed by Sir Thomas Fitch (or Fitz) and is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in the country. The Citadel was refurbished during the 1890s-1900s by the architect T Kitsel. During World War II, the Citadel housed the Coast Artillery Training Centre. It is now (2008) home to the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. |
More information : (SX 48015382) Royal Citadel (NAT) The Citadel (NR). (1)
The Citadel is the most important historic building in Plymouth. A map of Henry VIII's time (see illust) shows a wall with towers at each end extending along the whole length of the Hoe, and Leland describes a block-house and flanking walls to the south-west of the entrance to Sutton harbour.
A new fort at the east end of the Hoe, commenced by Sir Walter Raleigh about 1590, was still uncompleted when it was demolished in 1666, and the foundation stone of the present Citadel was laid by John Grenville, Earl of Bath and governor of the town.
The Citadel is a fine example of the 17th century type of fortress associated with Vauban, the French military engineer. It was built as a 'star fort' with five bastions and two ravelins, and its main gateway, the Portal, dated 1670, is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in this country. Charles II visited the town in 1671 and 1677 to inspect the Citadel, which remained the principal defensive work of Plymouth until 1860, when it was relegated to the defence of the Cattewater entrance. It was later used as a barracks and training school.
Parts of the fortress are now occupied by the Royal Artillery, but the ramparts are opened to the public. The outer works have been pulled down and levelled. (2-7)
Scheduled. (8)
The earliest fort was proposed by Sir Francis Drake in 1590, but the modified plan of Robert Adam was adopted in 1592. It consisted of two bastions at the north and west separated by a 13 foot high curtain wall fronted by a rock-cut ditch. A defensible circuit, the Lower fort ran down the slope to the south and incorporated the Fisher's Nose Blockhouse. Brass and iron cannons were mounted on the ramparts. It was incorporated into de Gomme's Citadel, and some parts may still be visible in the later construction. History, descriptio and plan of the earlier and later forts. (9)
The Royal Citadel consists of a late 16th century artillery fort, superseded by and partially incorporated into a mid 17th century bastioned artillery defence with associated outworks. It is situated on the eastern part of Plymouth Hoe, a limestone cliff overlooking the strategically important entrance to the Cattewater in Plymouth Sound. The artillery fort, known as Drake's Fort or Plymouth Fort, was constructed between 1592 and 1598 to a perceived threat of attack by sea from the Spanish. The fort contained the captain's lodgings, barracks, a storehouse, stables, guardhouse, powderhouse and the medieval Chapel of St Katherine on the Hoe. Parts of the fort have been revealed by partial excavation. Drake's Fort was partially incorporated into the mid 17th century Citadel. Although much of the walling around the main area of the earlier fort was demolished as the Citadel was constructed, the lower fort was retained. The Citadel was constructed between 1665 and 1675 in response to another perceived threat of war, this time with the Dutch. Designed by Sir Bernard de Gomme, it was constructed as a six bastioned walled fortification. Within the Citadel fortifications, several buildings survive from the original 17th century internal layout, or incorporate 17th century features. These include the guardhouse, the Great Store and the Governor's and Lieutenant-Governor's House. The outworks of the Citadel include the lower fort, the north ravelin within the ditch, the ditch counterscarp, the covered way with the two place d'armes and the glacis. The main entrance, dated 1670 and situated in the north wall, was designed by Sir Thomas Fitch (or Fitz) and is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in the country. The Citadel was refurbished during the 1890s-1900s by the architect T Kitsel. During World War II the Citadel housed the Coast Artillery Training Centre. (1-9)
It is now (2008) home to the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. (10) |