THIS WEEK IN 1988: Historians dig into Portsmouth's past
For the historic fortification, where tourists would soon be able to look out to sea, had once been a gun platform where soldiers 300 years previously kept cannons primed in case of enemy attack.
In the 1930s the platform was flattened to make way for coaches filled with day-trippers.
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Hide AdA team led by Portsmouth’s assistant keeper of archaeology, Russell Fox, dug out the Tarmac, prior to major restoration of Spur Redoubt.
Mr Fox explained: ‘The platform would have been built to hold eight cannons – some facing seaward and others into land, just in case either the Dutch or French attacked.’
A plaque was to be put up at the platform explaining its significance in protecting Portsmouth.