On No Man's Fort with DI Andy Horton in DEAD PASSAGE

I checked in at the Solent Forts office and souvenir shop at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth (re-named Oyster Quays in my DI Andy Horton novels). After which we made our way to the boat waiting to take us out of Portsmouth Harbour into a rain-drenched Solent but no matter it was great for atmosphere. I could just imagine Andy on board Solent 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 he has no choice but to go! Could I be that cruel?


We arrived at No Man's Fort in the pouring rain but to a very warm welcome from the fabulous staff and were soon exploring the magnificent interior.

No Man's Fort was completed in 1880 built to protect Portsmouth Harbour from the marauding French but like the other Forts was never used for the purpose for which it was built.



It 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. It certainly didn't look this sumptuous then!




No Man’s Fort, completely renovated, 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.
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 bunker tunnels, a must visit for any history fanatic and especially those keen on military history. The tunnels are extremely atmospheric.



After the extensive tour, a buffet lunch and the chance to explore the fort for myself I took a break in the Ward Room to check through my notes before the return boat trip to Portsmouth.