Galleries

Probably the best surviving example of a Victorian fortress, Fort Nelson has been restored to its original state, together with important parts of its Second World War heritage.

Explore the vast 19-acre monument, including the underground tunnels and magazines, and from the ramparts enjoy spectacular views of the Solent and Meon Valley.

Fort Nelson has undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment transforming it into a museum for the 21st century with a new visitor centre, a new café and new galleries, including the magnificent Voice of the Guns gallery.

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Associated objects

10.5cm Light Field Howitzer

With this gun German ingenuity solved the puzzle of combining two weapons – ﬁeld gun and howitzer – in a single weapon.

Dates from 1918 | Object number: XIX.532
25-Pounder Gun/Howitzer

The 25-pounder gun/howitzer is one of Britain’s most iconic artillery weapons used effectively throughout World War II.

Dates from 1943 | Object number: XIX.911
3.7 Inch Anti-Aircraft Gun

During the Blitz, these guns gave a sense of hope and of fighting back to the civilian population awaiting the fall of Hitler’s bombs.

Dates from 1943 | Object number: XIX.840
75 mm QF Schneider-Creusot Field Gun

Germany led the way during the 1860s, using new materials and methods to produce a steel breech.

Dates from 1895 | Object number: XIX.275
88 mm Flak 37 Anti-Aircraft Gun

The most famous artillery weapon of the Second World War.

Dates from 1944 | Object number: XIX.331
90 cm Projector Anti-Aircraft Searchlight

Anti-aircraft gunners had to be able to see their targets at night so enemy bombers had to be brightly illuminated.

Dates from 1940 | Object number: XXIII.165
BOFORS 40mm Anti-aircraft gun

One of the most widely used and best light anti-aircraft guns of the Second World War.

Dates from 1940 | Object number: XIX.861
Bronze 6-Pounder Field Gun, L’Avocat

This gun was captured by British soldiers at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Dates from 1813 | Object number: XIX.352
Bronze Licorne

Every cannon cast was expected to see action at some point in its career and this Russian gun has certainly ‘been in the wars’.

Dates from 1793 | Object number: XIX.815
Bronze Saker

Built to last, this amazing Saker was originally cast during the reign of Elizabeth I in about 1601.

Dates from 1601 | Object number: XIX.23
C73 Field Gun

Germany led the way during the 1860s, using new materials and methods to produce a steel breech-loading rifled gun.

Dates from 1874 | Object number: XIX.350
Iraqi supergun

One of the most infamous pieces of artillery of the 20th century, the development of the Iraqi Supergun was shrouded in secrecy.

Dates from 1988 | Object number: XIX.842-3
Turkish Bombard

Made in 1464, this is one of the oldest and most extraordinary cannon in our collection.

Dates from 1464 | Object number: XIX.164
Type 94 Quick Fire Gun

This effective killing machine could be carried through thick jungle or over steep mountains.

Dates from 1941