The Palmerston Forts that defend Dover were built in response to the 1859 Royal Commission dealing with the perceived threat of a French invasion. The forts were intended to defend the Port of Dover, that would provide direct access to an invasion fleet, from capture. Construction was carried out by the Royal Engineers and civilian contractors (under Royal Engineer supervision). In addition to the newly constructed forts, extensive work was carried out on existing fortifications. The fortifications built or upgraded as part of the works were:
Admiralty Pier Turret
Archcliffe Fort
Fort Burgoyne
Dover Citadel, part of Western Heights complex
Citadel Battery, part of Western Heights complex
Drop Battery, part of Western Heights complex
Drop Redoubt, part of Western Heights complex
East Demi Battery, part of the Dover Castle complex
Grand Shaft Barracks, part of Western Heights complex
Hospital Battery, part of the Dover Castle complex
Langdon Battery
North Centre Bastion, part of Western Heights complex
North Centre Detached Bastion, part of Western Heights complex
North Entrance, part of Western Heights complex
Shotyard Battery, part of the Dover Castle complex
Shoulder of Mutton Battery, part of the Dover Castle complex
South Front Barracks
St Martin Barracks, part of Western Heights complex
