The Ramparts within Priddys Hard are the last complete example of the great lines of defence which once zig zagged across the town. Constructed around 1759, the fortified moat and high ramparts were built to protect the harbour from a landward attack. This section of the fort was armed with fourteen 18lb smooth bore muzzle loading cannon, each with a range of 1200 yards. Although of early design, these weapons could drive a cannon ball 14 feet into a solid bank of earth from a range of 400 yards ! Storage of ready use gunpowder for the forts cannon was a dangerous game, here we see Museum employee Natalie Barratt investigating the last remaining expense gun powder magazine on site.
As more overgrown pathways are revealed, hazards such as dead trees need to be dealt with. Here is Phil Hazell tackling a large dangerous limb in an old chestnut tree within the historic ramparts area of Priddys Hard.