Chapel Bay Fort

The battery at Chapel Bay overlooking Milford Haven was built in 1891. It had three ten-inch rifled muzzleloading (RML) guns that were replaced in 1900 by three 6 inch guns

Chapel Bay Fort was completed in 1891, being the earliest known fort in the world constructed principally in mass concrete (with no reinforcement). Originally armed with three wrought iron 10" rifled guns, the fort was rearmed in 1901 with three 6" guns, when the fort was substantially altered and modernised. The main fort occupies a 4 acre site with a 30' deep dry ditch around it, lined with concrete on the inner face. Inside are casemated barracks for 96 men together with a Master-Gunner’s house, Officers’ Mess (now rebuilt) and associated ablutions, kitchens, magazines etc.

In World War I, Chapel Bay Fort not only formed part of the Haven defences, but was also an examination battery, and under its guns, suspected blockade runners moored in Stack Roads were examined for contraband. In World War II it was used to control the anti-aircraft guns defending the Haven, and to plot the position of German air dropped magnetic mines.

A registered charity was set up in 1995 with the long-term aim of opening Chapel Bay Fort to the public as an interpretation centre for the military history of Milford Haven and its environs. The fort is open to guided tours only until extensive and expensive safety measures can be put in place. In the 18 years since the charity was formed, a lot of work has been carried by volunteers with occasional help from the Royal Engineers. When completed, Chapel Bay Fort will be the only one of 12 forts that were built to defend Milford Haven which will be open to the public.

Chapel Bay Fort is a not for profit organisation dependent on volunteers and community involvement.
It is only through the work of the community and volunteers that the project has progressed to its current state.

We would like to thank all who have contributed their time, effort and expertise over the years as we continue to drive the project forward into 2014.