More information : Single Victorian gun emplacement built of local stone between 1867 and 1871 for an Armstrong RML (Rifle Muzzle Loaded) gun. It was one of six batteries on Steep Holm (Garden Battery ST 26 SW 93, Laboratory Battery ST 26 SW 95, Summit Battery ST 26 SW 96, Rudder Rock Battery ST 26 SW 98, Split Rock Battery ST 26 SW 99). There is an underground shell store at the rear. A 13th century tombstone was found during construction and incorporated a small arms store. When the store was demolished in World War II for building stone the tombstone was removed. It is on display in the Steep Holm Visitor Centre in the former barrack block (ST 26 SW 67).
During World War II an anti-aircraft battery was placed above the southern shell store. (1)
(ST 228607) The War Department requisitioned land on Steep Holm in 1865 for the construction of fortifications, see plan. Steep Holm was one of a series of forts constructed at this time across the Bristol Channel. The works had been completed by 1871 and consisted of six heavy gun batteries and a barracks building.
All the Severn bases were vacated by the army early in the 20th century but Steep Holm was re-fortified during the Second World War. (2-3)
Additional references (4-6)
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