Museum History
Nothe Fort Timeline
The history of the Nothe Fort spans over 160 years, from Victorian coastal defence to Local Authority nuclear bunker and now a museum.
1847
1859
1869
1872
In 1892 seven of the guns are replaced with larger more powerful 12.5-inch muzzle loading guns and the fort magazines are extended.
1903
1914 - 1918
World War I
The Nothe Fort guns are taken out of service in 1916, as by then there was little risk of an attack from the sea.
The garrison are redeployed to either the Breakwater Fort or volunteered to serve on the Western Front.
1939 - 1945
World War II
Two of the three 6-Inch breach loading guns are returned to service. An anti-aircraft (AA) gun is added on a tower by the gatehouse, with four more heavy AA guns just outside the fort in what is now the carpark.
The fort is a key part of the local defences when a German invasion was feared in 1940 and later in the war protected American forces in the build-up to the D-Day Normandy landings. It is also used as an AA ammunition storage and distribution centre for South-West England.
1956
1970
1980
1984 - 1990
This is decommissioned in 1990 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
2022
It has also hosted many special events and exhibitions such as the 2019 Luke Jerram’s art installation ‘Museum of the Moon’
Glossary
Garrison
Group of troops stationed in a fort.
Rifled muzzle
The inside of the gun barrel has ridges to spin the shell.
Breech loading
Ammunition is inserted into the back of the gun.
Caponier
Meaning chicken coop in French – a gun gallery facing out along the moat to protect the entrance from attack.
Opening Times
9th Nov 2024 – 15th Dec 2024
We are open weekends only
11.00am – 3.00pm
16th Dec 2024 – 14th Feb 2025
CLOSED for essential maintenance work
Admission Prices
Adult £9.95
Concession * £8.50
Child 5-16 £4.50
Under 5 Free
Family 2+2 £24.50
Small Family 1+2 £14.50
Groups of 10+ £8.50/person
Find Us
Barrack Road
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 8UF
///dogs.claim.nest