Lest we forget! Fort Nelson honours Britain’s war dead - Thursday, 29 October 2009
Fort Nelson will ring to the sound of a gun salute to mark Remembrance Sunday on 8th November and also the 91st anniversary of Armistice Day on Wednesday, 11th November.
An original 18-pounder field gun from the First World War will be fired in salute by a uniformed detachment of gunners, to honour “The Fallen” who died in the War to End All Wars.
The 1914-1918 conflict has special significance at Fort Nelson as the Victorian building acted as a transit depot for soldiers leaving Portsmouth Docks for France, and was one of the barracks for the Portsmouth garrison, which at times numbered as many as 25,000 men.
On Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day itself, visitors can listen to poignant real life accounts and the actual words of the men who were there and see dramatic performances by the Royal Armouries’ team of professional actors. There will also be war poetry readings.
Fort entry is free and there is a whole range of attractions, designed to appeal to young and old alike.
The Royal Armouries Museum at Fort Nelson, Portsdown Hill, Fareham, houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum has one of the world’s finest collections, with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years. The collection originated from HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.
Time: Fort opens 10.30am – 4pm. Gun firings at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, with the 11am firing on both days, marking the beginning and end of the two-minute silence.
...ENDS...
Media contact
Joss Loader
Primary PR Ltd.
Tel: 07838 379599
Email: info@primarypr.co.uk
Notes to editors
Reporters and photographers are welcome at the wreath laying ceremony at 11am (or at the craft sessions – please contact Primary PR to fix a time)
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum houses one of the world’s finest collections with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years. The collection originated at HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.
- The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson also tells the story of the Palmerston Forts, built to protect Portsmouth from a feared French invasion in the 1860’s.
- Every day, visitors can see one of the big guns fired in salute, watch our resident actors bring to life characters from 1,000 years of history, explore secret underground tunnels and enjoy incredible views from the ramparts. An extensive programme of special event spectaculars takes place throughout the year.
- Fort Nelson is open every day except 24-26 December. April to October 10am –5pm (Wed 11am-5pm), November – March 10.30am – 4pm (Wed 11.30-4pm).
- Admission to the Royal Armouries is FREE.
- Admission charges apply to some events.
- Information line: 01329 233734
- Website: www.royalarmouries.org
- Email: fnenquiries@armouries.org.uk
- The Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour with sites at Fort Nelson, Leeds, HM Tower of London and Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
- The Royal Armouries Museum should not be confused with Royal Armouries International plc, the private sector corporate hospitality business.
Download the PDF press release.