Photo: Fort Belan by Phyllis Flannagan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Thomas Wynn built Fort Belan in 1775 as a coastal battery, fearing that the American War of Independence might bring an attack to the Welsh coast.
It stands at the tip of the Dinlle Peninsula in Gwynedd, guarding the narrow southern entrance to the Menai Strait.
Twice a day the incoming tide cuts the fort off from the rest of the mainland.
The property is listed by Historic Houses.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
Thomas Wynn later became Lord Newborough. The fort housed a militia unit and was used as a garrison during the late 18th century. The Blundell family purchased the property in 1992 and have since undertaken conservation work on the site.
Architecture
The fort is arranged around a courtyard entered through a south gate and drawbridge. A powder magazine and other period structures survive within the walls.
Worth knowing
The site has working dock facilities. Volunteers carry out interpretive activities at the fort and demonstrate its historical military significance on special occasions.
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Dinas (Welsh Highland Rly-Caernarfon) (2.7 miles)
Nearby properties
Caernarfon Town Walls
View Caernarfon Town Walls on heritage mapCastell Bryn Gwyn
View Castell Bryn Gwyn on heritage mapCaer Lêb
View Caer Lêb on heritage mapBodowyr Burial Chamber
View Bodowyr Burial Chamber on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Fort Belan there are 6 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings, 2 castles and 2 archaeological sites.
Within 10 miles of Fort Belan there are 12 historic properties, including 5 historic buildings, 5 archaeological sites and 2 castles, across Cadw and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Fort Belan there are 35 historic properties, including 17 historic buildings, 8 archaeological sites and 6 castles, across Cadw, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Facts
An 18th-century coastal battery, cut off by the tide twice daily, with working dock facilities and a long history of military use.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Gwynedd, Wales
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