Historic England research records

Historic England Research Records

Fort Luton
Hob Uid: 416042
Location : Medway Non Civil Parish
Grid Ref : TQ7625166024
Summary : Fort, completed in the 1890s, smallest of the `Chatham Ring' forts. Polygonal fortification surrounded by a 30 feet deep ditch, but without provision for ditch defence. The entrance was approached over a rolling bridge. The rampart has an infantry parapet with no prepared gun positions although two guns were intended in each flank and a further pair overlooking the valley. Now owned by Kent County Council. This was the site of a First World War heavy anti aircraft battery which was armed with an 18-pounder gun in 1917.
More information : (centred TQ 762 660) Fort Luton [NAT] (1) Constructed after 1860 and completed by the middle of the 1890's, Luton was the smallest of the Chatham ring forts which were built in a half-ring two miles outside Chatham. Situated astride the valley whose mouth contains Chatham itself. An irregular pentagon in plan with a narrow deep ditch, flint revetted. The barracks and magazines are arranged across the interior moulded under chalk rubble. All the brick is cement rendered except for two moulded courses. No ironwork remains but otherwise in fair condition. These forts were out of date, due to improved gunnery, almost as soon as they were built. The last major work of traditional forifications in the country. Owned by Kent County Council, who plan to open it to the public. Scheduled. (2-4) Documented. (5,6)

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Source Number : 1
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Source details : OS 1:10000 1981
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Source Number : 2
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Source details : DOE(IAM) Record Form 01.07.71
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Source Number : 3
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Source details : Post Md Arch 10 1976 110-115
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Source Number : 4
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Source details : Handbook of Kent Defences 1540-1945 1977 (D Bennett) 10-12
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Source Number : 5
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Source details : Gazetteer Part 1: KD7
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Source Number : 6
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Page(s) : 294
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Monument Types:

Monument Period Name : Post Medieval
Display Date : Built 1890s
Monument End Date : 1899
Monument Start Date : 1890
Monument Type : Fort
Evidence : Structure

Monument Period Name : 20th Century
Display Date : Disused in 1906
Monument End Date : 1906
Monument Start Date : 1906
Monument Type : Fort
Evidence : Structure

Monument Period Name : First World War
Display Date : First World War
Monument End Date : 1918
Monument Start Date : 1914
Monument Type : Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery
Evidence : Documentary Evidence

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Related Records from other datasets:

External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : TQ 76 NE 59
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Relationship type : General association

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Historic England Research Records

Fort Luton