2010. Second World War event at Fort Nelson. Russian forces attack the Germans in a re-enactment. Picture: Will Caddy 101070-692010. Second World War event at Fort Nelson. Russian forces attack the Germans in a re-enactment. Picture: Will Caddy 101070-69
2010. Second World War event at Fort Nelson. Russian forces attack the Germans in a re-enactment. Picture: Will Caddy 101070-69

A history of Fort Nelson re-enactments in 14 retro photos

A visit to Fort Nelson is a must if you are interested in the history of Portsmouth and its role in preventing attacks by the French during the late 19th century.
By Deborah Croker
Published 28th Sep 2020, 15:30 BST

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It was one of five defensive forts built on the summit of Portsdown Hill during the 1860s, overlooking the city. In times of war a garrison of about 200 volunteers, as well as regular army officers, would have helped to guard the fort.

Nowadays the fort is open all year round as a museum where visitors can learn more about the artillery stored there and Fort Nelson’s secret underground tunnels.

SEE ALSO: 10 memories of the Pyramids swimming pool

The site is also popular with re-enactments which regular take place.

Here are a few of those events taking place, featuring in photos from The News’ archive.

SEE MORE: Do you remember these lost Tricorn businesses?

Join our new Portsmouth Retro Facebook group to find more fascinating photos and memories from Portsmouth’s past.

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2003. Brockhurst Artillery and Great War Society re-enactment teams descended upon the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson to man an 18lb. quick fire artillery piece amongst other activities open to the public demonstrating what life was like for soldiers in the Great War. Picture: Jonathan Brady 035103-33

1. Fort Nelson re-enactment memories

2003. Brockhurst Artillery and Great War Society re-enactment teams descended upon the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson to man an 18lb. quick fire artillery piece amongst other activities open to the public demonstrating what life was like for soldiers in the Great War. Picture: Jonathan Brady 035103-33 Photo: The News archive

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2003. Brockhurst Artillery re-enactors (l-r) Paul Jackson, Tony McNamara, and Graham Chadwick descended upon the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson to man an 18lb. quick fire artillery piece amongst other activities open to the public demonstrating what life was like for soldiers in the Great War. Picture: Jonathan Brady 035103-39

2. Fort Nelson re-enactment memories

2003. Brockhurst Artillery re-enactors (l-r) Paul Jackson, Tony McNamara, and Graham Chadwick descended upon the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson to man an 18lb. quick fire artillery piece amongst other activities open to the public demonstrating what life was like for soldiers in the Great War. Picture: Jonathan Brady 035103-39 Photo: The News archive

Photo Sales
2005. Members of the 2nd Guards Rifle Division of The Soviet Red Army 1941-45 - ' The Great Patriotic War ' join in the re-enactments at Fort Nelson. Picture: Malcolm Wells 051491-66

3. Fort Nelson re-enactment memories

2005. Members of the 2nd Guards Rifle Division of The Soviet Red Army 1941-45 - ' The Great Patriotic War ' join in the re-enactments at Fort Nelson. Picture: Malcolm Wells 051491-66 Photo: The News archive

Photo Sales
2016. A live firing exercise using blank ammunition has taken place at Fort Nelson. Thrilled audiences witnessed a self propelled World War Two gun. Picture Ian Hargreaves 160714-4

4. Fort Nelson re-enactment memories

2016. A live firing exercise using blank ammunition has taken place at Fort Nelson. Thrilled audiences witnessed a self propelled World War Two gun. Picture Ian Hargreaves 160714-4 Photo: The News archive

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