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NOTHE FORT - YEARS OF NEGLECT
Coastal defence was abandoned in 1956 and as a consequence the fort was no longer required to protect the entrance to Portland Harbour. For the following 5 years the fort was used to house naval stores and degaussing equipment. By 1961 the navy had no further need of the fort and it was sold to Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Borough Council.
Under the ownership of the council the fort was left unoccupied and quickly became vandalised and started to fall into a state of dereliction. Various schemes were considered, including a luxury hotel complex. However nothing came of these schemes.
The fort was eventually saved from falling into state of total dereliction as a result of work undertaken under the Manpower Services Scheme and the efforts of interested individuals. The relentless dedication of the team of individuals and the assistance provided by the Weymouth Civic Society has resulted in the fort becoming one of the best preserved forts of its kind.
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Views of Fort During Early Days of Restoration.
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Front entrance 1962
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Blacksmith's workshop and stores c 1962
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Building in Old Moat Alongside West Wall Being Demolished
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South West Corner of Courtyard and Ramparts Prior to Restoration.
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Terriers Erecting Baily Bridge Over Fort Ditch. 8th August 1953. Construction Carried Out by 244 Field Squad. 108 Field Engineer Regiment
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Courtyard and Ramparts early 1980s
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Main Gate c1960
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Main Gate c1960
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Main gate in about 1979
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Photograph taken in about 1979
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Graffitti c1979
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After removal of Flak Shields 1979
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BOP in 1984 with no windows and cracks in the brickwork
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BOP before removal of graffiti
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One of the precarious ways in which trespassers got into the Nothe Fort
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Typical damage to the sea wall by neglect
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View of steps down pre-restoration
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View of Graffiti pre-restoration
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View of Graffiti pre-restoration
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View of Graffiti pre-restoration
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View of Engine Room pre-restoration photographed in 1980
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Main Gate area pre-restoration,
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Regimental Sergeant Majors’ quarters converted to Civic Society Offices in 1980. Photographed in , 1983
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The Ramparts in 1981
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Former Light Anti-Aircraft gun tower originally built 1938/9. Refurbished Spring 1982 as a look out. Turret entrance just visible. Stairs down to old cook house. Photographed in March 1983.
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