Fort Burgoyne
This site has been on Ren's visiting list for YEARS. But its rare to have the opportunity to visit, and to be honest we got very lucky on a rainy Saturday in September thanks to Heritage Open Days Festival. If the Fort hadn't had joined in on the fun we wouldnt have got the chance. The only downside was Ren was working in the morning so by the time we finally made it to Dover, there was only time for one of us to go on the tour while the other waited with Yogi before it shut.
So Ren opted to explore with Yogi while Jay went on the tour, the volunteers were lovely and we will certainly be back so we can swap and see what we both missed.
The fort dates all the way back to the 1860, having been built in order to defend the nearby Castle. It was one of the Palmerston Forts built around Dover in response to the perceived threat of a French invasion. It was built with both an eastern and western redoubt, both detached, in order to guard the high ground of the port below.
Originally known as Castle Hill Fort, the site was renamed after the Field Marshall Sir John Fox Burgoyne, the Inspector-General of Fortifications from the 19th century.
Further along the years, like most historic sites in Dover, the fort was repurposed as a storage site and military depot for Connaught Barracks in order to serve during the First World War. Until recently, parts of it was still owned by the Ministry of Defence but the nearby barracks have been developed for housing.
It is quite a large site, and while our learning regarding the most recent World Wars is only just starting, we can imagine how detrimental this site was in the overall involvement of Dover.
Ren's perspective was purely external. The site has become a haven for wildlife, even going so far as to urge people not to step off the mowed paths in order to protect the space. We think this is wonderful, especially as nature has tried so hard to reclaim the site.
The grass grows on top of the fort below, separating the gun ranges from the buildings below. We'd imagine from above it would just look like a mound, but the secret is on ground level and below, as Jamie got to go underground to explore more.
During their wander above ground, Ren and Yogi had the opportunity to explore the land gun ranges, the beautiful view of the Castle and Pharos nearby, and the somewhat abandoned buildings on site.
Meanwhile down below, Jamie was taken to the officers rooms, the tunnels, and was even told of a ghostly solider who haunted the underground site!
After being taken through a very secure gate he was taken to the Trenches. Here you can see the steps which were manually operated by wires during the war meaning only authorised access could be given or else you'd be literally pulled to your death!
Next was a gun placement specifically built for WWII. If a paratrooper happened to land they'd be shot from this turret. They also stored chemical weapons like gas bombs in these turrets in order to take out the Germans.
Following this the tour took us through the barracks then through some more gates and into a tunnel. This led to some more gun placements specifically for canons and muskets with built in shoulder manoeuvring room to cover reloading so that the pesky enemy could not pop a grenade through the opening.
The soldier haunting the area outside the mess below is said to have taken his own life while here. This is known to the volunteers due to someone taking part in a ouija board and both speaking to him and accidentally tethering him here. Jamie did not see him, but the experience sent a shiver down his spine!
Overall this was a brilliant experience and we count ourselves quite lucky to have made it in time for the final tour. We can't wait to come back and swap so Jamie can explore above and outside while Ren takes a look below!
They also do ghost experiences around Halloween and other events throughout the year so keep an eye out if you'd like to visit too!
Haunted: 7/10
DISCLAIMER: Now for the official bit. This blog does not receive any paid promotions from the places mentioned above. We have not been approached to promote or act as spokespersons for any attraction mentioned within this post and this is simply a post intended to act as a day in the life of a couple on a cute date. All photos included are taken by ourselves and as such the rights for these images our ours, no links, brands, or companies mentioned otherwise belong or are associated with Phantom Adventures UK. We are responsible only for this blog. Opinions are our own and not influenced by any third party source..
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