No Man's Land Fort

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No Man's Land Fort was built in the Solent 2.2 kilometres[1] off the coast of the Isle of Wight between the years 1867 and 1880 to protect Portsmouth. It was built for a cost of £462,500, a considerable sum if adjusted for inflation.

No Man's Land Fort is almost identical to Horse Sand Fort. It is now a luxury home/hospitality centre for high-paying guests – due to the privacy it offers – boasting an indoor swimming pool and two helipads. In July 2004, Legionella bacteria found in the hotel's water system forced its closure. [2] The Fort was put up for sale in 2005 and again in 2007, but the company collapsed. [3] [4] [5] In March 2008, Harmesh Pooni, claiming to still be the owner, barricaded himself inside the fort in protest against the administrators KPMG. [6]

The 1972 Doctor Who serial The Sea Devils used the fort as a filming location for several scenes.

Other sea forts include Spitbank Fort, St Helens Fort and Horse Sand Fort.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Google Maps
  2. ^ Legionella bacteria found at fort. BBC news (9 July, 2004). “[…] now off limits "until the health risk is controlled".”
  3. ^ Converted sea fort hotel for sale. BBC news (10th July 2007).
  4. ^ "Who will buy fort used in Doctor's adventure?", The News, Portsmouth, July 9, 2007. 
  5. ^ "Bolthole in the Solent goes on sale for £4m", The Guardian, July 16, 2007. 
  6. ^ Besieged man barricaded in fort. BBC news (7th March 2008). “A sea fort […] is under siege from creditors, prompting a businessman to barricade himself inside.”

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 50°44′23.67″N, 1°5′42.78″W

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