This month I visited an
Amazing Venue,
literally, thanks to the company bearing that name because they own
three landmarks, or
should I say seamarks, in the Solent, all of which I am very familiar
with
having grown up in Portsmouth but none of which I have ever visited. On
the 4 November I got the chance to change that and it was indeed a case
of the boat waiting for no man as it took me out on to the Solent to the
Victorian Fort of No Man's all in the aid of research for
DI Andy Horton number 14.
 |
No Man's Fort, Solent
|
I have featured one of the Forts before in the
DI Andy Horton crime novel
A Killing Coast, when a body is found floating off
Spitbank Fort. This
time for the new DI Andy Horton I thought about the plot-line connecting
with something or someone actually on one of the four forts in the
Solent and as three are owned by
Amazing Venues I thought I should ask
their permission if I could use one in the novel. To my delight not
only did they say they have no objection but they also offered to assist me with
my research by taking me (and my husband, Bob) out to
No Man's Fort.
Amazing Venues own three of the four
Solent Forts:
Spitbank, No Man's
and Horse Sands. The fourth St Helen's is privately owned and not in use.
Spitbank Fort and
No Man's Fort have been
transformed into totally unique hotels while
Horse Sand's Fort is to remain as it was when the navy left it and is to
become a museum, well worth a visit and I am sure I will be back
to get more ideas for a future
DI Andy Horton crime novel.
 |
Pauline Rowson checking in at Solent Forts Office and shop Gunwharf
Quays, Portsmouth renamed Oyster Quays in the DI Horton crime novels
|
Then it was off to the boat waiting to take us out of
Portsmouth Harbour into a rain-drenched Solent but no matter it was
great for atmosphere and I could just imagine Andy on board the Fort's
private boat or perhaps with PCs Elkins and Ripley on the marine police
unit's launch. Not with Sergeant Cantelli though, as readers of the
Horton novels know that poor Cantelli gets sea sick just looking at the
sea. Perhaps though he has no choice but to go! Would I be so cruel?
 |
A rain soaked day on the Solent heading out of Portsmouth
Harbour, Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup boat, Wightlink ferry and Brittany
ferry sailing out behind
|
We arrived at
No Man's Fort in the pouring rain but were given a very warm welcome and were soon exploring the magnificent interior somewhat drastically changed since it was built in 1880 to protect Portsmouth Harbour from the marauding French for which purpose it was never used.
 |
The Atrium, No Man's Fort, Solent Forts
|
The fort was
originally equipped with forty nine guns and was the first fort in
England, possibly Europe, to use hydraulic power to raise the ammunition
from the sea bunkers (basement) to the firing positions. It was also the
first to be lighted throughout by electricity.
 |
Pauline Rowson on research in the tunnels and sea bunkers on No Man's Fort,
Solent Forts
|
Completely renovated but retaining the tunnels and turning them into a feature with historical artifacts,
No Man's Fort was opened in 2015. It boasts a
wonderful lighthouse giving spectacular views over the Solent, across to
the Isle of Wight and to Portsmouth, including right into the harbour
entrance.
 |
A view from the lighthouse on No Man's Fort
|
 |
Pauline Rowson on location research for DI Andy Horton crime novel on No man's Fort
.
|
Here I am making copious notes even in the rain! Can you see Andy Horton here? I can.
No Man's Fort is three times the size of
Spitbank Fort and offers
twenty-two
huge bedroom suites, its own lazer battle, sea golf, a hot house with
firepit, a large rooftop firepit, sauna, hot tub, a cabaret bar and
restaurant, as well as retaining the unique sea bunkers, a must visit for any
history fanatic and especially those keen on military history. The
tunnels are extremely atmospheric.
 |
Pauline Rowson checking her notes and taking a break in the Ward Room
|
After the tour, lunch and a chance to explore this amazing fort it was time to head back to the mainland. A great day out and well worth the visit.
Solent Forts offer packages including overnight/2 day stays, day trips, lunches and venue hire. Check out
Solent Forts website for full details.
My thanks to the
Solent Forts team and especially to my guide, Craig,
who took us around the Fort and gave me so much useful information. I
came away with lots of inspiration for
DI Andy Horton, not to mention a
good place to put a body!
