Historic Buildings

Saving Bembridge Fort; Transformation of a Community Asset

Once one of the most secret places in the country, Bembridge Fort was originally built in reaction to the possibility of French invasion from 1859. During WW2 it become a command-and-control centre defending against invasion and for D-Day, housing all three branches of the British Armed Forces. Twenty years ago, the National Trust put it into “Managed Decline”. The building is now severely at risk due to water ingress and neglect. Bembridge Fort Trust recently took over the management of the site seeking to repair this damage, prevent further decline and bring the site back into community use; acting as a blueprint for the resurrection of similar sites. In response to demand from many community groups, sell out tours and a recent busy open day, we are building financial sustainability for future development. Bembridge Fort will become a celebrated heritage destination - much needed on the Isle of Wight.