10 of the best pictures as history comes alive during explosive weekend at Gosport's Fort Brockhurst

FAMILIES from across the area have flocked to join a weekend of Victorian fun at an historic fort in Gosport.
By Tom Cotterill
Published 24th Jul 2022, 13:00 BST
Reenactors showing off their skilled during a firing display of canons and muskets at Fort Brockhurst on SaturdayReenactors showing off their skilled during a firing display of canons and muskets at Fort Brockhurst on Saturday
Reenactors showing off their skilled during a firing display of canons and muskets at Fort Brockhurst on Saturday

Scores of visitors have been marvelling at the action at Fort Brockhurst and its ‘Victorian Manoeuvres’ spectacle.

Staged by English Heritage and the Victorian Association, it is one of the first big events to be staged at the fort in years.

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Jo Hyland and Brian Hyland of the Rebellion Reenactment Cavalry (Mounted) ride into Saturday's action at Fort BrockhurstJo Hyland and Brian Hyland of the Rebellion Reenactment Cavalry (Mounted) ride into Saturday's action at Fort Brockhurst
Jo Hyland and Brian Hyland of the Rebellion Reenactment Cavalry (Mounted) ride into Saturday's action at Fort Brockhurst
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Kicking off on Saturday, the weekend has seen Victorian reenactors showing off their skills with both muskets and canons, with live displays staged throughout the day.

Crowds marvelled at the explosive display by the members of the Victorian Association, made up of reenactors from A Company, 24th Foot, 2nd Queen’s, Fort Cumberland Guard and others.

As well as the displays, families have also been joining in with the Fort’s Victorian fancy dress competition, with children getting getting out in their finest attire.

Jo Forbes, English Heritage events manager, praised her team of volunteers for coming together and helping to run the weekend.

Pictured - Sue and Alan Bedford show off their Victorian fashion sensePictured - Sue and Alan Bedford show off their Victorian fashion sense
Pictured - Sue and Alan Bedford show off their Victorian fashion sense
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‘They are absolutely legends, they are fantastic,’ she said, adding: ‘It is the first time we have put this event on and we are really looking forward to it and the volunteers have worked really hard to get ready for it.’

Fort Brockhurst was one of a number of defences built in the 1850s and 1860s to protect Portsmouth and its vital harbour against a French invasion.

Largely unaltered, the parade ground, gun ramps, moated keep, washrooms and armoury can all be viewed.

The Victorian weekend concludes later today.

Related topics:VictorianGosportEnglish HeritagePortsmouth

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