Modern Forts
In Tudor times the coastal defences were strengthened (as by Henry VIII at St Mawes) and also at the time when a Spanish invasion was expected in the 1580s. Polruan also has a blockhouse fortification that guards the entrance to the river Fowey, one of a pair — its partner being situated on the Fowey side of the river. Between the two blockhouses was strung a chain to prevent enemy ships entering the harbour, the chain being lowered for friendly vessels. This was primarily used during the wars with the Dutch. Many Napoleonic forts were built during the Napoleonic War in South East Cornwall to protect Plymouth Sound and Plymouth's docks in Devonport, Devon from attack: some are still in use today by the Ministry of Defence.
Read more about this topic: Hill Forts In Cornwall
Famous quotes containing the words modern and/or forts:
“He was naturally so sensitive, and so kind. But he had the insidious modern disease of tolerance. He must tolerate everything, even a thing that revolted him.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)
“Charge once more, then, and be dumb!
Let the victors, when they come,
When the forts of folly fall,
Find thy body by the wall!”
—Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)