The military credentials of Spike Island are remarkable
Winston Churchill would fight ferociously to retain the Irish island
Yet most people don't know the monumental effort taken to secure the western approaches
Here is the story of an island fortified to defend an Empire (1)
Winston Churchill would fight ferociously to retain the Irish island
Yet most people don't know the monumental effort taken to secure the western approaches
Here is the story of an island fortified to defend an Empire (1)
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It had already been home to a monastery in the Celtic Sea by 635AD
A first prison arrived in the 1600's. A remarkable 3 more would follow to Ireland's Alcatraz
But its military importance was rising (2)
France joins on the American side creating a local threat for Britain
A first fortification was built on Spike Island, a battery of 18 cannons
A 206 year military occupation is underway (3)
1 of the worlds largest, it becomes the primary provision base for Britain's American army
Around it is rich fertile land producing beef & butter
It can shelter entire fleets
Important for centuries, it must be protected (4)
But the threat from a growing France remains
In 1790 a fort is commissioned on Spike island
At 10 acres in size it is considerable, but its designer Vallancey worries is it enough?
He soon gets his answer (5)
Wolfe Tone & crew avoid the allegedly well defended Cork Harbour, an easier landing location
Up the coast in Bantry, awful weather defeats them
Britain breathes a sigh of relief (6)
Fort designer Charles Vallancey exploits the concern
He lobbies for a fort so monumental, it will never be surpassed in Irish history
In 1804, work begins on a military superstructure (7)