Ferry to Hurst Castle from Keyhaven Quay in Hampshire
This page is about Ferry to Hurst Castle from Keyhaven Quay near Milford on Sea, Hampshire
Hurst Castle is situated at the seaward end of the shingle spit that extends 1½ mile from Milford-On-Sea. The views of ships passing by are spectacular and the end of the spit is only 3/4 from the Isle of Wight.
This was the perfect site for defence of the western approach to the solent.
The Castle was one of the chain of coastal fortresses built by Henry VIII and completed inleted in 1544. The protection of the solent by Henry VII was vital for the stretch of water gave access to Portsmouth and Southampton. Important ports Calshot and Hurst Castle were strategically situated for their protection. Calshot was sited on a shingle spit close to the deep water channel at the mouth of Southampton Water. Although one of the smaller forts he built its three-storey keep and outer curtain wall gave it full command of its position.
Charles I was imprisoned here in 1648 before being taken to London to his trial and execution.
The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870’s when the enormous armoured wings were constructed. Two of the huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1970’s can still be viewed in their casemates.
During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights.
There is a small cafe in the castle grounds for refreshments.
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www.hurstcastle.co.uk/ferries.html
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