Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Brownhill Battery
Hob Uid: 437638
Location : Devon South Hams Wembury
Grid Ref : SX4940051000
Summary : Coastal battery built in 1869 as part of the Staddon Heights land defences of Plymouth. Its function was to cover the ground in front of the lines and the scarp which surrounds it on the south and east. It was designed for 14 guns and to accomodate 200 men. It has five faces with an earthwork rampart fronted by a small ditch. On the south flank is a loopholed wall covering the face of the rampart protecting the military road running to the south-west. The remainder of the gorge is open. Although overgrown, most of the site remains intact. Possible remains of two World War II observation posts on south rampart.
More information : (SX 494510) Brownhill Battery (NAT). (1) Brownhill Battery was built circa 1869 and was planned as a simple open work to mount fourteen guns. (Hogg states he failed to locate it.) (2) Built as part of the land defences of Plymouth on Staddon Heights. Brownhill Battery protected the left flank of Staddon Fort as well as the rear of Bovisands Fort. The battery was linked to Staddon Fort by a military road. (3,4) Its function was to cover the ground in front of the lines and the scarp which surrounds it on the south and east. It was designed for 14 guns and to accomodate 200 men. It has five faces with an earthwork rampart fronted by a small ditch. On the south flank is a loopholed wall covering the face of the rampart protecting the military road running to the south-west. The remainder of the gorge is open. Although overgrown, most of the site remains intact.(5) Coastal battery. Gun emplacements and magazine in good condition. No BOP or CASLs visible. [information from 1992 aerial photographs]. (6)

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Source Number : 1
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Source details : OS 6" 1966
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Source Number : 2
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Source details : Coast Defences of Eng & Wales 1856-1956 1974 203-4 (I V Hogg)
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Source Number : 3
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Source details : Woodward, F.W, Plymouth's Defences, 1990, F.W Woodward. P.20, 21.
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Source Number : 4
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Page(s) : 100
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Source Number : 5
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Page(s) : 204-5
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Source Number : 6
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Source details : The two databases developed by the Project can be searched on-line through the Archaeology Data Service at http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/specColl/dob/index.cfm
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Built 1869
Monument End Date : 1869
Monument Start Date : 1869
Monument Type : Coastal Battery, Loopholed Wall, Redoubt
Evidence : Earthwork, Structure

Monument Period Name : Second World War
Display Date : Recommissioned 1939-41
Monument End Date : 1941
Monument Start Date : 1939
Monument Type : Observation Post, Coastal Battery
Evidence : Earthwork, Structure

Components and Objects:

Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : DoB Anti Invasion Database UID
External Cross Reference Number : S0015100
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : Scheduled Monument Legacy (County No.)
External Cross Reference Number : DV 720
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : Unified Designation System UID
External Cross Reference Number : 1002585
External Cross Reference Notes :

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : SX 45 SE 123
External Cross Reference Notes :

Related Warden Records :

Related Activities :

Associated Activities :
Activity type : MANAGEMENT SURVEY
Start Date : 1991-01-01
End Date : 1995-12-31

Associated Activities :
Activity type : MEASURED SURVEY
Start Date : 1995-04-01
End Date : 2002-03-01

Historic England Research Records

Brownhill Battery