A National Trust plaque (
SZ6286 : Bembridge Fort (National Trust Sign)) next to Bembridge Fort gives the following information.
Bembridge Fort was a part of the extensive defence system built by the Palmerston administration against possible invasion by French forces of Napoleon III.
Constructed 1862-1867 at a cost of £48925 as the main stronghold for the south coast of the Isle of Wight with an establishment of three officers and one hundred other ranks and ordnance of two 4" breech-loading and six muzzle-loading guns mounted on parapet slides.
1880-1900 Experimental base for anti-submarine devices
1900-1914 Training camp and garrison duties
1914-1920 Heavy artillery coastal defence
1920-1939 Territorial Army observation post for artillery based at Yaverland battery
1939-1945 Command post for anti-aircraft regiments and HQ local Home Guard
1948 The War Department relinquished control
1965 Purchased by Isle of Wight County Council; scheduled as an ancient monument
1967 Acquired through Enterprise Neptune together with the surrounding downland for
THE NATIONAL TRUST