John Oram's photos with the keyword: Stokes Bay Lines

Although The Diving Museum banner catches the eye in this image, the view is of the most easily photographed face of the former No. 2 Battery in Gosport. In 1860, the Victorian government was genuinely concerned about the possibility of invasion by the French and embarked upon the construction of a series of elaborate defences. These include the Palmerston Forts and many remains are still in evidence today. The No. 2 Battery was part of the Stokes Bay Lines consisting of Batteries 1-5 (from Stokes Bay near Browndown to near Gilkicker) and a moat. The Diving Museum occupies only the east casement and a cartridge shelter leaving a large part of the structure frustratingly difficult to access. Nevertheless, the exterior provides, for the curious, a fascinating glimpse into a past little more than 150 years ago. 200_P1020644