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NORTH ENTRANCE

The weakest link in fortress defence is often the entrances, so it is hardly surprising that much ingenuity goes into their design. The North Entrance to the Western Heights was the nearest to the town of Dover and most convenient for access, either for supplies or by an attacking force. Accordingly, its defences were substantial, comprising two bridges and a tunnel. The entrance dates from the Royal Commission period of the 1860s, and superseded the entrance dating from Napoleonic times - a single bridge over a ditch.

The two bridges crossed the twin ditches (or lines), which were separated by an earth bank – the tenaille. Neither bridge was fixed. The first of the two had a drop-down section hinged at the tenaille end, while the second had a section that could be raised. The roadway cut through the tenaille was ‘S’ shaped, so that artillery fire could not be brought to bear on the entrance to the tunnel from the approach road.

Having crossed the two bridges, the road entered a tunnel, with a pair of massive doors at the outer end. These slid on rails from deep slots either side of the tunnel, and did away with the obvious weakness of hinges. The tunnel then turns sharp left, runs straight for 50m or so, then turns right towards the inner gateway. The road bed of the tunnel was laid with 6” cubes of oak, probably to guard against sparks.

Location: Western Heights, Dover

Condition: Poor

Date Of Visit: 2/06/03

Plan: No

Fortifications In This Area:

The Citadel, The Well House, Western Outworks, Outer Bastion, South Flank Casemates, North Flank Casemates, Archcliffe Cells, Archcliffe Galleries, Dover Breakwater, Detached Bastion, Drop Redoubt

This was still used as the main road in 60's. When they built the new road sadly two of the water tanks were demolished..

NORTH ENTRANCE

The main road tunnel.

At the lower section, looking back towards the main road tunnel.

In one of the gun rooms, which allowed fire down the length of the ditch.

Counter weight for the drawbridge.

On the far right is the counter weight for the drawbridge. Although not clear in this photo, the wall has been worn by the movement of the counter weight, leaving an arc of whitewashed brick.

Stairs up to a lighting recess for the main magazine.The heavy sliding doors protecting the entrance.

Drawbridge.

The spiral staircase.

The sally port entrance, now sealed up.

One of the three water tanks, two are filled up with spoil from when they built the new road in 1960's.

Filled in water tank.