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Hurst Castle, built by Henry VIII as one of
a chain of coastal fortresses, is located at the end of a shingle spit
which extends 1 ½ miles from Milford-on-Sea. The end of the spit
is only ¾ miles from the Isle of Wight. Access is either on foot
from Keyhaven or Milford-on-Sea, or by ferry from Keyhaven (or from Yarmouth
on the Isle of Wight).
The castle was completed in 1544. In 1648, Charles I was imprisoned here
before being taken to London for his trial and execution. During the Napoleonic
wars and again in the 1860s, the castle was modernised and enormous armoured
wings were added. Two of the huge 38 ton guns installed in the 1870s can
still be viewed in their casemates. During World War II, the castle was
manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights.
Educational and group visits are welcomed at
the castle which is open daily between April and October.
Refreshments are available in the tearooms.
For enquiries about Hurst Castle and the ferry, telephone: 01590 642500
or 01590 642344, or visit the
Hurst castle ferry website. |
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