Landguard Fort, Felixstowe (Suffolk)

The site of the last opposed invasion of England in 1667 and the first land battle of the Royal Marines.

Summary 18th century buildings Guided tours Gift shop Learning facilities Audio guide Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Introduction

The site of the last opposed invasion of England in 1667 and the first land battle of the Royal Marines. The current fort was built in the 18th century, and modified in the 19th century with substantial additional 19th/20th-century outside batteries.

History to the present day

Landguard Point has housed a number of different fortifications over the years. In 1543 two blockhouses were built at Henry VIII's instruction, although these rapidly deteriorated and the guns were returned to the Tower of Londonin 1522. In 1628, a new Fort was built, which was square with a bastion on each corner ad made of earth and wood. 

In 1666 under Charles II the fort was repaired and a brick wall was built around the Fort. In 1667, during the second Dutch War, on the orders of Admiral de Ruyter, 1500 Dutch marines landed at Cottage Point (now Cobbolds Point). They were under the command of Colonel Thomas Dolman, an English officer who had served under Cromwell and, like many professional soldiers, had changed sides. The Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot, commanded by Captain Nathaniel Darell, successfully resisted the Dutch assault.

In 1717, a new brick Fort was constructed in place of the wooden structure however this in turn gave way to a new structure in 1744. The newest fort was built in the form of a red-brick pentagon, with a bastion at each corner. This structure remains today and in 1871, the Fort was remodelled using yellow London bricks. At this time, all of the internal accommodation buildings and the river facing battery, which dated from 1780, were demolished.

After the main guns were removed, and for most of the 20th century, the fort was used as barrack accommodation. In 1951 two of the old gun casemates were converted into a control room for ‘cold war’ use. 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Landguard Fort, Suffolk, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

28 Mar-31 May 10am-5pm Mon - Sun

1 Jun-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon - Sun

1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-5pm Mon - Sun

Last admission 1 hour before closing

An average tour takes an hour and a half.

Battery and group tours are bookable in advance.

Admission prices:

Adult:£3.50

Children:£1.00

Concession:£2.50

English Heritage Members:Free

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photographic Library.