Listed Building: EAST WEARE BATTERIES AT SY 694 741 (381980)

PORTLAND SY67SE INCLINE ROAD, H.M. Naval Base 969-1/1/197 (South side) East Weare Batteries at SY 694 741 GV II Disused gun emplacement. c1870. Portland stone, some concrete and iron. Remains of 3 platforms plus magazine. A central magazine with earth-covered revetment has a platform on the axis to the NE, flanked by a platform to each side at 30 degrees; behind the magazine on the main axis is a small single-celled unroofed building. All is sunk into the slopes of The Verne on its N side and with a series of sunken passageways surrounding the central mound. The central platform has a semi-circular end in ashlar to a heavy rounded parapet at ground level; there are 4 vertical embrasures with segmental heads alternating with 5 mid-height square recesses with iron bolts and rings. To each side a straight run of rock-faced masonry wall runs approx 8m at approx 2.5m height to a bold weathered coping, and returns at an obtuse angle for approx 8m at same height, each with a central deep square recess at pavement level. The centre of the emplacement has a raised circular base in stone and concrete, with a central iron pivot or spigot, and a ramp towards the magazine mound. Each of the flanking platforms has a semi-octagonal termination. Each emplacement has a small stone plaque inscribed: LEVEL OF TOP OF RACER ABOVE HWM 216 FT. Axially to the SW is the mound over the magazine, with a small square vent in rock-faced stone. Retaining the mound on the SW side is an ashlar wall approx 20m long and 4.5m high, raked at either end above paired arched openings with bold rock-faced jambs and voussoirs; openings filled with concrete blockwork. Remains of a square-plan building approx 4m SW. The battery can be seen from the higher slopes of The Verne and commanded Portland Harbour to its SE. Listing NGR: SY6940074100

Record last edited

Aug 20 2014 2:06PM