BEMBRIDGE FORT Letterbox Hybrid

This cache has been archived.

Professor Xavier: As the owner has not responded to my previous log requesting that they check this cache I am archiving it. Please note that as this cache has now been archived by a reviewer or HQ staff it will NOT be unarchived.

If you wish to email me please send your email via my profile (click on my name) and quote the cache name and number.

Regards

Ed
Professor Xavier - Volunteer UK Reviewer
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Hidden : 9/9/2009
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Small tupperware container with camo bag stamp and pad which must not be removed and other small items.
Cache placed with the kind permission of the National Trust;"

Bembridge Fort (map reference SZ624861) is a fort built on Bembridge Down close to the village of Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. It is one of the many Palmerston Forts built on the island to protect it in response to a perceived French invasion. Construction of the fort began in May 1862 and was completed by July 1867 at a cost of £48,925.

[edit] History

Bembridge Fort was constructed as part of the 1860 Royal Commission defences of the Isle of Wight and was intended to act as a keep to the four coastal batteries in Sandown Bay. From its location at the top of Bembridge Down, it commanded the space between Brading Haven and the sea. It served as a last stand if the island was invaded. It was initially to be armed with 20 guns however there were some alterations in the original design with single caponiers being substituted for double ones and the scarp and counterpart being fully revetted. This resulted in some slight alterations in the guns used. Until at least 1910, the fort stored the moveable armament for the eastern end of the island. Between 1880 and 1900 the fort was used as an experimental test facility for experiments with anti-submarine and anti-torpedo devices. This involved two cables running from the fort to the sea, with a magnetic field between being used to detect any metal objects passing.[1]

For much of its existence, the fort was used as a barracks and a store by various army units stationed in the locality. When the Culver Down Battery was being built the fort housed the BOP and a PF cell which continued until the end of World War II. This resulted in the battery acting as a co-ordinating point for the 9.2-inch guns at Nodes Point Battery and Culver Down Battery. Between 1945 and 1948 the fort was placed into the hands of a caretaker when it was relinquished. From then until 1965 the fort was heavily vandalised until the Isle of Wight Council purchased it. The National Trust later bought it from them in 1967. The National Trust have since worked on the fort and undertaken some clearance work with the hope of opening it up to the public on a limited basis. In 2005 the fort was occupied by a light engineering firm.[1]

Sources:
Bembridge Fort (visit link) (Access 09 September 2009)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Pbeare cbfg pbirerq jvgu vil

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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