Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy


	Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage & legacy . . .

about . . .

Volume Twelve - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - further aspects - Defence of the Realm - Penarth Head Fort and Coastal Battery . . .

	Penarth Head Fort and Coastal Battery - Did you know that there were two 6" Quick Firing guns mounted on the Penarth Head in 1903 which were a part of a comprehensive system of armaments solely for the protection of the Penarth and Cardiff Docks. They were not removed until the late 1920's?

	The Beach and the Searchlight Towers - As stated, I recall, as a young lad in the mid 1950's, wondering where the steps went which emerged from the cliffs when you looked up the beach towards the Penarth headland. I wanted to explore but couldn't because the lower section was missing.
In 1894 the Joint Naval and Military Committee considered the site on Penarth Head to be unsuitable for the defence of Cardiff and Penarth Docks since it was concluded that the approaches and entrances to the docks could not be adequately defended. The Montgomery Committee of 1898 subsequently reversed this view and two 6-inch, muzzle-loading cannons were installed in 1903, which were superceded in 1910 by two 6-inch Mark VII B.L. guns. In 1917 searchlights were added together with the Battery Command Post. Following a review of defences in 1929, the guns were de-commissioned and by September 1931 the site was abandoned.
	1919 - Penarth Head Fort and Coastal Battery - A map indicating the extents and layout of the fort and battery.

contents . . .

information . . .

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