page_title: Fortifications of Plymouth
section_title: Medieval fortifications
hierarchical_section_title: Fortifications of Plymouth / Medieval fortifications
caption_attribution_description: English: A depiction of the town and fortifications of Plymouth in Devon, from a chart dated 1540.
context_page_description: The fortifications of Plymouth in Devon are extensive due to its natural harbour, its commanding position on the Western Approaches and its role as the United Kingdom's second largest naval base after Portsmouth. The first medieval defences were built to defend Sutton Harbour on the eastern side of Plymouth Sound at the mouth of the River Plym, but by the 18th century, naval activity had begun to shift westward to Devonport at the mouth of the River Tamar. During the Victorian era, advances in military technology led to a huge programme of fortification encompassing the whole of Plymouth Sound together with the overland approaches. Many of these works remained in military use well into the 20th century.
context_section_description: At the time of the Norman Conquest, Plymouth was a tiny settlement at Sutton Harbour, but in 1295 and 1357, royal expeditions to France had used Plymouth as a final gathering place before making the crossing. In 1377, a murage grant was received to fund its fortification, although what form these works took is unknown.
caption: A depiction of the town and fortifications of Plymouth around Sutton Pool, from a chart dated 1540. The Fisher's Nose Blockhouse is in the centre foreground and behind it can be seen the Royal Chapel of St Katherine-upon-the-Hoe, Plymouth Castle and the Barbican with a harbour chain.
exif: {}