Reigate Fort, a Victorian hilltop fortification built in 1898 to defend London from a French invasion, never saw action. Located on Reigate Hill in Surrey, it is now managed by the National Trust and open to the public.
Military historian Dr Jen Howe recently highlighted the fort's history on Instagram, noting it was part of a 72-mile network of defences known as the London Defence Scheme. The fort stored equipment and ammunition, with plans to dig trenches to protect the capital.
By 1906, the British Navy was deemed strong enough to deter any invasion, leading to the fort's decommissioning. It was sold in 1907 and later designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1972.
Visitors can see steel gates, a tool store, a magazine for munitions, and underground casemates. The site also features a memorial to nine US airmen who died when their B-17 Flying Fortress crashed on Reigate Hill in March 1945.
The memorial, crafted from Surrey oak by artist Roger Day, incorporates metal from the crash site and was unveiled on the 70th anniversary. Dr Howe also noted a mysterious WWII structure nearby, whose purpose remains unknown.
