Newhaven Fort Exhibitions & Displays (page 1)

The Guard Room

This is your point of entry (and also the exit) to Newhaven Fort. In its heyday as a military establishment, the guardroom was not a place to linger, as this is where the cells - where any wrongdoers were kept on a diet of bread and water – are housed. Today, however, you will be met with a warm welcome from one of the Fort staff. Here you can browse around the well-stocked shelves of souvenirs and mooch through the wartime poetry and recipe books. This is also your point of contact for any general information and requirements you may have, including first aid.

Turn Right

Most of the displays and exhibitions are to be found in the casemates to your left and right, as you exit the Guardroom. To make life easier, we suggest that you turn to your right as you start your tour. March past the next casemate, now the main administration office, and reach your first point of call...

The Theatre

A fast moving, twelve-minute film presentation introducing you to the original designer of Newhaven Fort, taking you through its creation and the role it has played through two world wars and up to the present day. The film runs at 20min intervals throughout the day.

Fort Collection / Showcase

Rather than keep exhibits stored away out of sight when not on permanent display elsewhere, they are displayed here in the Fort Showcase. You will find a fascinating collection of equipment and artefacts on view.

The Fort and Newhaven

Find out how the fort and harbour have developed together over the years, particularly their operational use during the two world wars. See how the Moncrieff gun worked and how Newhaven Fort has been restored after years of dereliction.

Life in the Fort

Part of this casemate is set out as it would have been during the Second World War; a bed is laid out for the dreaded kit inspection and a small stove provides the only source of heating. Find out what life was like for the soldiers and their families living in Newhaven Fort, discover what a ‘barrack rat’ was but watch out for the Sergeant Major!