Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral History Re: Fort Perch Rock

Fort Perch Rock was built as a coastal defence battery built between 1825 and 1829 during the Napoleonic period but the the time the government had agreed on a design Napoleon had died. It was built to protect the Port of Liverpool and as a fortified lighthouse to replace the old Perch Rock Light. It was originally built on an area known as Black Rock and was cut off at high tide, but now coastal reclamation has made it fully accessible.

The Fort covers an area of about 4000 square yards, with enough space for 100 men. It was built with red sandstone from the Runcorn quarries. The height of the walls ranges from 24 feet (7.3 m) to 32 feet (9.8 m), and the towers are 40 feet (12 m) high. The Fort originally had a drawbridge, and a Tuscan portal which bore the coat of arms and the words 'Fort Perch Rock'. At one point, it was armed with 15 32-pounder Cannons and in 1863 it was remodelled and equipped with the latest 64-Pounder Cannons mounted on platforms but in 1893 the structure was altered and the fort was then equipped with 6" Navel Guns which only 3 of these guns were fitted. The outer walls had to be lowerd and the old courtyard and rooms just to acommidate these guns, Further alterations were made to the north wall which was filled with sand and search lights fitted.

It was nicknamed the 'Little Gibraltar of The Mersey'.

The fort seen service through both world wars and the guns were last fired at the battle of britian celebration in 1951

The projected cost of the build was £27,583.0s.8d. Kitson ensured that this budget was not exceeded, finishing the fort for a total cost of £26,965.0s.8d.

The Commander of the Fort in World War II, Colonel C.J. Cocks claimed to have fired the first British shot of the War from Fort Perch Rock. A small fishing smack under sail in the Rock Channel could not be identified fifteen minutes after the War had started. A shot was fired at the boat causing panic to its crew. Luckily it was identified as friendly in time and allowed to sail into the estuary.This was the last time the guns in the fort were fired.

excellent info there jonno

Inresting info

Interesting that it was built to budget - not like the buildings today

i only know most of that due to i visited the museum today and i ave found out the current owner is called doug and starting next month he will the gettin rid of the entrance fee to the museum so its gonna be a free entry exibition

Doug Darrock I think his name is .He headed the team that salvaged the spitfire from Birkenhead Park which is on display in the museum.

that perticular museun is called "Spitfire in the Park" and its really interestin alot of good info about the spitfires also it was featured on the TV Programme "Lost Treasures" and the clothes the guy wore are also in cabinet in the museum

The excavation and pictures of the exhibition can be found here

Looks so much better without the car park on the lead up to it

I think its a class bulidng, and its history is fascinating. Didnt know it fired the first shot of the war.

Cheers Scott and Jonno

I be proud to say this is on the wirral

brilliant picture

Urban Exploration on THE FORT PERCH ROCK New brighton

Quality hidden rooms under ground

Room 2

Random pics & Findings

Check this out the big gun placings