| Summary : East Weare Batteries, erected circa 1870, is of Portland stone construction with some concrete and iron. The remains include three gun platforms with a magazine to the rear. The central magazine with an earth-covered revetment has a platform on the axis to the NE, flanked by a platform to each side at 30 degrees; behind the magazine on the main axis is a small single-celled unroofed building. All is sunk into the slopes of The Verne on its north side and with a series of sunken passageways surrounding the central mound. The central platform has a semi-circular end in ashlar to a heavy rounded parapet at ground level; there are 4 vertical embrasures with segmental heads alternating with 5 mid-height square recesses with iron bolts and rings. To each side a straight run of rock-faced masonry wall runs approximately 8 metres at approximately 2.5 metres height to a bold weathered coping, and returns at an obtuse angle for approximately 8 metres at the same height, each with a central deep square recess at pavement level. The centre of the emplacement has a raised circular base in stone and concrete, with a central iron pivot or spigot, and a ramp towards the magazine mound. Each of the flanking platforms has a semi-octagonal termination and each emplacement has a small stone plaque inscribed: LEVEL OF TOP OF RACER ABOVE HWM 216 FT. Axially to the south west is the mound over the magazine, with a small square vent in rock-faced stone. Retaining the mound on the south west side is an ashlar wall approximately 20 metres long and 4.5 metres high, raked at either end above paired arched openings; openings filled with concrete blockwork. The battery was used during World War II when it formed part of the Dorest Coast defences and the Isle of Portland defences. |