Fort Clonque

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Fort Clonque

Bailiwick of Guernsey

Alderney fort entrace.jpg
Type: Coastal defence fortress
Location
Location: 49°42’50"N, 2°13’59"W
History
Information
Condition: good
Owned by: Landmark Trust

Fort Clonque is a 19th-century coastal fortress in Alderney, in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. It was constructed at a time when French naval power was becoming an increasing concern to Britain. It is built on a rocky outcrop of land joined to the island by a causeway that can be submerged at high tide. It was manned by fifty men and fortified with up to ten guns, mostly 68-pounders, however none was ever fired in anger.

The buildings were refortified by Hitler in 1940, who believed Fort Clonque to have some strategic value.

The fort fell into disuse before being rescued by the Landmark Trust in 1966; it now provides comfortable self-catering accommodation for up to thirteen persons.[1]

Scenes from the film Seagulls Over Sorrento were shot at Fort Clonque in 1953.

Outside links

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("Wikimedia Commons" has material
about Fort Clonque)
Fort Clonque at low tide

References

  1. Brabbs, Derry (1998). Landmark Cottages, Castles, and Curiosities of Britain (in the care of the Landmark Trust). Country series no. 42. Weidenfeld and Nicolson. ISBN 0-297-82299-3.