Reigate Fort

Reigate Fort was constructed in 1898 as a result of a perceived threat to the British Empire by the French. It was part of a 72 mile long defence line from the North Downs to Essex and was one of 13 new military installations. However in as little as 8 years the Admiralty became confident, particularly with the launch of the new Dreadnought battleships, that the navy would fend off any invasion and the fort was decommissioned. 

It subsequently had some use in WWI and is believed to have been used by the Canadian Army in WWII and has been designated as a  Scheduled Ancient Monument by English Heritage since 1972.

There are many tunnels in the area nearby, including a Command centre intended for use by Montgomery, and air raid shelters. The pillbox/shelter pictured is just across the way from the Fort.

Newark

Normally when I think of Newark it is in terms of the aircraft museum just up the road. However, today I ventured in to the town itself and although the weather wasn't great I was pleasantly surprised.

Newark is just off the A1 and beside the River Trent. It has strong historical links connected to the Civil War and, in St Marys, a very impressive church. Many buildings around the market square date back to the 1600s and 1700s and there are castle remains beside the river. Certainly worth spending some time having a wander around.

National Holocaust Centre

Most of us know of the holocaust in WWII and I have previously visited the Holocaust Centre in Israel. However, there is also a National Holocaust Centre in Nottinghamshire which we visited today. The detail of the atrocities and tales from survivors is all very moving although photographs are not allowed inside. However, there are also Remembrance Gardens.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse

I was with my good friend and fellow aircraft enthusiast Gaz today but this time the theme was trains!

Quoting from the website:

"Barrow Hill Roundhouse is the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable. Built in 1870, it was threatened with demolition in 1991 when the site was closed by British Rail. It was saved by a group of dedicated volunteers who have transformed it into a unique railway museum and events venue."

The museum has plenty of locos, both diesel and steam, including a number of restoration projects. The Deltic restoration group are also on site and were open during our visit.

A nice little cafe gave our better halves somewhere to sit for a chat whilst we had a wander.