Victorian Forts Mersey 3

Liscard Battery (Magazines Fort)

Commenced 1858 Armament Completed Cost £ 1858 7 x 10-inch SB Map Reference Position Opposite the docks

Type Coast defence Ditch None Guns 7 Barrack Accom. Some Present use None Caponiers None History Coast defence Counterscarp None Disposal Sold 1912 galleries Condition Destroyed Access none Haxo casemates None Sources Fort Perch Rock & the Defence of the Mersey’ by Ken McCarron, Portfolios 1991. Moncrieff Pits None

History and Description

In 1858 a battery mounting seven 10-inch guns was erected on the site of the old powder magazines on the Cheshire shore. Sheltered by grass banks the battery was well protected but was soon masked off from targets at the mouth of the river by new buildings. The battery’s concealment led to it becoming known as “the snake in the grass” to local inhabitants. Concern was voiced by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board that the fire from here would damage their estate on the opposite shore but the Board of Ordnance had enough confidence in their gunners to go ahead. The battery was obsolete in 1912 and it was sold to the Yacht Club. The construction of the promenade in front of it in the 1890s had made engaging targets at law water in the River difficult. In 1921 the war memorial was built in front of the old battery and houses were eventually erected on top of the old site.

www.victorianforts.co.uk Victorian Forts Mersey 3

Liscard Battery (Magazines Fort)

A5 - 10-inch B - Barracks M - Magazine S - Shell store