What was once Golden Hill Fort but now luxury apartments occupy the top of Golden Hill. There is a maze of footpaths surrounding the area.
Built between 1862 - 1871 Golden Hill Fort was one of Palmerstons' follies so called because they were built to face a threat that never materialised. The first troops were garrisoned here in 1870. That was followed by a School of Gunnery in 1888 and a new hospital in 1897. During the First World War 30,000 men trained here between 1915 - 1918. Training continued for The Second World War. The Army left Golden Hill Fort in 1962, in which time it was unoccupied up until 1969. In the 80's it was converted into an industrial estate for light industry and opened as a place of historical interest with a colonnade tearoom, pub and museum. It's location away from the amenities and centre of Freshwater was not going to attract enough interest for long and in 2005 it was closed to the public. In 2011 18 luxury apartments were completed. Developers worked closely with English heritage to restore the fort to its former glory.
In 1915 newly commissioned Second Lieutenant Alan Alexander Milne aged 33 arrived at Golden Hill Fort to join the 4th Battalion of the 11th Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Whilst here he resided in Totland. His role was basic training and drilling the men. He went on a course for 9 weeks where he was made a signals officer and on his return the battalion had moved to Sandown.
Milnes' time on the Island ended in July 1916 when he was sent to France and found himself in the early part of the Battle of the Somme. After becoming ill with Trench fever, a period of convalescence and a stint with the War Office to work in intelligence he was discharged from the army in February 1919.
Milnes' Punch magazine and newspaper articles, story and poetry collections all led to his two books that we remember him for, "Winnie The Pooh" (1926) and" The House On Pooh Corner"(1928).
With some imagination and the fact that his son was Christopher Robin Milne who had a stuffed bear, the magical story was born.
The following caches are based on some of the characters that we have grown to love and admire. Thank you Alan Alexander Milne.
Please be aware that this is a popular spot for dog walkers and to use your stealth and guile when retrieving and replacing caches.