London Defence Positions

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The London Defence Positions were 19th century earthworks in the south-east of England, designed to protect London from foreign invasion landing on the south coast.

The 1859 Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom report on Britain's defences believed that London was practically undefendable, but the view in the 1880s changed the emphasis to schemes based on simple earthworks for infantry and moveable armaments. The London Defence Positions were to be earthworks to be thrown up in time of war, but backed up with magazines at 5 mile (8 km) intervals.

They were built along a 70 mile (113 km) stretch of the North Downs from Guildford to the Darenth valley. Thirteen sites were chosen, at Pewley Hill, Henley Grove, Denbies, Box Hill, Betchworth, Reigate, East Merstham, Fosterdown, Woldingham, Betsoms Hill, Halstead, Farningham and North Weald. The design of each site varied, but they were never very elaborate, just a magazine and storehouses for the mobilisation of troops, with limited defences. Related stores were set up at Tilbury, Warley and possibly Caterham. They were quickly viewed as obsolete, and all were sold off in 1907, with the exception of Fort Halstead, now the MoD's explosives research department.

At Guildford, houses have been built on the Pewley Hill site, but Henley Fort, Guildford, England (aka Henley Grove) has been well preserved as a youth education centre. It could be seen on a Heritage Open Day.

[edit] Reigate Fort

Reigate Fort has been owned by the National Trust since 1932. The structure was falling into disrepair, but grant money from the Biffaward, the Heritage Lottery Grant and the National Trust itself has enabled the Trust to restore the building.

As well as the restoration, information boards are being installed to tell visitors about the buildings. A website and teacher packs are also under development.

The first phase of the repairs was carried out in 2000 and was funded by a grant of £104,000 from the Biffaward. The latest phase, due to be completed early next year, will cost £174,000. The fort will then be opened and visitors will be able to explore the site free of charge.