More information : Between 1867 and 1871 Rudder Rock Battery was constructed of local stone. It was one of six batteries on Steep Holm (Garden Battery ST 26 SW 93, Tombstone Battery ST 26 SW 94, Laboratory Battery ST 26 SW 95, Summit Battery ST 26 SW 96, Split Rock Battery ST 26 SW 99). It consisted of a single emplacement for an Armstrong RML (Rifle Muzzle Loaded) gun, with underground shell stores behind the emplacement.
In 1898 the RML gun was removed from its mounting and nickel steel plates erected as defensive armour with a concrete apron. This was bombarded from HMS Arrogant to test the new larger breach loading guns.
In 1941 a concrete battery observation post was constructed partly covering the Victorian emplacement. The RML gun was buried beneath the floor. In the late 20th century a hole in the floor was dug to reveal the gun. (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, 5, 6)
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