Introducing - Chatham’s Napoleonic defences
Chatham and its military past have been connected by a £2.2m amphitheatre.
Th National Lottery funded project opens up Fort Amherst, built in 1756 and the largest Napoleonic fortress, now restored and overlooking Chatham Historic Dockyard.
The amphitheatre, which will see historical performances, transforms the Spur Battery of the effort, the highest part which had been used for siege warfare training, troop encampments and military punishment.
The first presentation, running from this evening (September 19) until Saturday, has been commissioned from Icon Theatre with The Chatham Witch, exploring the extraordinary history of women in Medway and featuring 150 actors, dancers and singers from the local community.
“The Spur Battery on the heights above Chatham will once again be accessible to visitors as it once was as part of the Garrison Recreation Grounds” said Bill Fowler, chair of the Fort Amherst trustees. “The Spur Battery amphitheatre will be a wonderful new asset for Medway which I hope will be well used. The restoration of the Lower Barrier Ditch and Barrier Road will reconnect the fortifications with the river and reopen a long lost route through the Chatham fortifications - one which was once well used by royalty on visits to the garrison.
“The Trustees at Fort Amherst are extremely grateful for the support of Medway Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund in the delivery of this project.”
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