Click to go directly to the photo gallery

Newhaven Fort

Military fortifications have been present on this site for hundreds of years. It is easy to see why, as it stands on cliffs overlooking what is now the Newhaven harbour with a fantastic view out across The English Channel.

Mid 19th century concerns over invasion from France led to a new fort to defend the port of Newhaven. This following the recommendation of the 1859 Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom, during the administration of Lord Palmerston.

The fort we see today took 7 years and 250 labourers to create. It was the first military fortification to be built using concrete. It is contoured into the cliffs, its design brought about by a young Lieutenant John Charles Ardagh.

HOWL Report by John Flynn

It is not easy to find a place so worthy of a visit that nobody within the group had ever visited before. But that is exactly what Michael Keeler achieved when he proposed the run to Newhaven Fort for the HOWL schedule.

The prolonged great weather we had throughout September had blissfully been extended well into October.

Michael suggested we meet at Earlswood Common Lakes (just south of Redhill) and eight of us were on the road heading south shortly after 9.30am.

Rarely do we see an entire group of Hondas, but today we did but what an eclectic mix of our favourite marque! Charles and Tom were riding 1970's classics, a 1977 CB400T Dream and a 1972 CB500/4. I was on a 1989 VFR750F-K whilst Dan was on his 90's Pan ST1100. Jude (CB500), Jon (NC750X), Stephen (CB1100) and Michael (VFR1200X) were all on far more contemporary machines, without a carburettor in sight. Each bike looked great whatever its age.

Continued below............

Charles' superb 500/4 pictured at The Chalet as he was making his way back.

What a view!

......... Stephen rode as far as he could with us before heading home, it was his 62nd birthday so his family and friends were waiting for him back at home, Really appreciate the effort to ride with us. Happy Birthday Steve!

There was a really warm welcome for us at the Fort. Mine host Ben was terrific, even providing us with our own locked dressing room for safe storage of helmets etcetera. The café was great and were able to meander and enjoy the setting for over three of hours.

For more info on Newhaven Fort

Photo Gallery

V. I. B. parking

and their 8 proud owners

HOME