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The spit of shingle jutting out into the sea just a short distance from Milford-on-Sea was considered by Henry VIII to be the perfect location for a defensive fortress to protect the entrance to the Solent.
Hurst Castle was built in the 1540's, it was designed in a series of low cylindrical towers arranged in trefoil pattern around a central tower. It was one of the many coastal castle's built on the orders of the King, and was later to become a place of imprisonment for another monarch. Charles I was imprisoned here in 1648, before facing trial in London and subsequent execution.
The castle was modernised and used during the Napoleonic Wars, and its vast armoured wings were added during the Victorian period. Visitors to the castle can see two of the huge 38 ton guns installed at this time.
During the Second World War the castle was manned with modern defensive weapons and searchlights.
Hurst Castle is perhaps the most impressive of all the great Tudor monarch's defensive fortresses, it is well worth exploring and can be approached either by ferry from Keyhaven, or by a lengthy walk.
in the county of Isle of Wight
(2.4 miles, 3.8 km, direction SE)The Isle of Wight has somehow managed to retain much of the charm of the 1930's and the pretty resort of Freshwater found at the Island's western end is no exception...
in the county of Isle of Wight
(2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction E)A lovely old town with a pleasant deepwater harbour. Yarmouth, with its 'olde worlde' charm is definitely one of the jewels of this enchanting island resort...
in the county of Isle of Wight
(3.2 miles, 5.1 km, direction SE)Undulating countryside surrounds this beautiful place - it is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty and as such attracts walkers and bird watchers as well as being a Mecca for surfers and yachtsmen...
a Historic Market Town in the county of Hampshire
(3.5 miles, 5.7 km, direction N)Lymington is a charming market town on the south coast, known for its historic architecture, lively harbor, and proximity to the New Forest National Park. A lovely Georgian.....
in the county of Hampshire
(4.9 miles, 7.8 km, direction NE)This is a small picturesque hamlet at the edge of the New Forest National Park overlooking the Solent towards the Isle-of-Wight...
All towns in Hampshire
This was the last great castle built as part of Henry VIII's fortifications against invasion of Britain by the French. .....
The Needles Park is the Isle of Wight's premier visitor attraction and is situated at Alum Bay overlooking the Island's most.....
Spinners Garden and Nursery can be found in the attractive valley village of Boldre, about three miles to the south of.....
This stunning Grade 1 listed Mansion is situated on the cliffs at Highcliffe, overlooking Christchurch Bay and The Isle of Wight......
Hengistbury Head is formed from the southern flank of Christchurch harbour, it is a spit of approximately 2 miles of land, with a.....
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