Sunday 9 September 2007, 11am to 4.30pm     Free admission and parking

To mark the National Trust's official opening of this well preserved late Victorian mobilisation centre of the London Defence Scheme, EventPlan was delighted to organise a day of living history and displays depicting troops and weapons from before, during and after the fort's official operating life. Over 3,000 visitors explored the fort, took in the dramatic view from the ramparts and enjoyed the displays as this unusual fort was brought to life!  Click for a timetable of displays, tours and talks.

Originally planned in 1889 as part of a 13-fort defence chain against French invasion but not finished until 1898, the fort was a depot for tools, equipment and munitions, to be speedily issued to local volunteer and regular troops in the event of enemy invasion. However, by 1904 the fort became redundant as a front line depot, with a strengthened Royal Navy followed by a French alliance dispelling the earlier threat - the fort was sold to a private owner in 1907. But soon Germany was Britain's potential enemy and indeed, during the First World War  the area - and possibly the fort - saw limited military use. In WWII the fort was home to a Canadian unit. Between the world wars and after WWII the fort was used by the Scouts but the buildings gradually fell into disrepair.  Now in the care of the National Trust, it will be safeguarded and at last be open (daily) to visitors.

Performers

Victorian:  Tim Richardson of Touch the Past (who also acted as event co-ordinator on site - the same day, EventPlan staff were all engaged in co-ordinating our massive Blasts from the Past event at Cliveden, also for the National Trust); The Fort Cumberland Guard (with riflemen and 3-pounder cannon);  Portsdown Artillery Volunteers and 16-pounder gun kindly supplied by the Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson; members of the Royal Sussex Living History Group; Victorian soldier Craig Appleton; and Richard Knight with replica firing Maxim gun.

WWI: The Great War Society with firing Vickers gun from Vickers Sporting Services.

WWII: A detachment of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. (RCEME) Circa May 1944, preparing for D Day, with period vehicles and weapons, plus YMCA tea van from Mike Foster of the Blackout Volunteers.

Fort talks and tours: Author and mobilisation centre expert, Victor Smith.

Talk and display of Surrey and London militia rifles & badges by Jonathan Lewis of the Historic Breech Loading Rifle Society.

A display of relics from WW2 aircraft crashes in the area including the B17 that almost crashed into the fort in 1945, killing all on board. Presented by the East Surrey Museum of Aviation.

Scouts of the 8th Reigate (Royal Alexandra and Albert School) Troop, commemorating members of the Scout Association that used the fort between the world wars and after WWII..
 

Re-enactment groups and other performers interested in taking part in our events are invited to contact us for further details and click the link for our Standard terms and conditions for participation.

Admission

Other events 2007

Click here for details of many other historical events organised by EventPlan during 2007.

Updated 10 September 2007