More information : Between 1867 and 1871 Split 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, Rudder Rock Battery ST 26 SW 98). It consisted of emplacements for two Armstrong RML (Rifle Muzzle Loaded) guns, and underground shell stores.
During World War II a small anti-aircraft battery was place on top of the emplacements. Nissen huts and privy house were built behind the emplacement. By the late 20th century these were merely foundations.
In the late 20th century a World War II Bofors anti-aircraft gun was placed here. (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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