Grey Point Fort
Grey Point Fort
As Belfast grew it became obvious by the end of the 19th century that something more modern than Carrickfergus Castle was required to provide protection for the thriving port against external naval attack. It was therefore decided to establish two batteries, one at Kilroot on the north side of Belfast Lough (subsequently demolished to make way for the power station), with the other at Grey Point. Between them the batteries covered the full width of the Lough.
Grey Point was built as a pentagonal fort between 1904 and 1907 on land bought from the Marquess of Dufferin and Ava. It was surrounded by an ‘unclimbable’ wall and palisade, and 2 two six-inch guns were mounted in 1907. The guns were capable of firing shells weighing 100 pounds a distance of up to 6 miles.
The Fort was abandoned in 1956 when the guns were disposed of, however after restoration was opened to the public in 1987.
A visit is strongly recommended. It now hosts a most interesting radio, uniform and photographic exhibition built up by volunteers.
As we approach the centinary of the Titanic disaster we pause to think how many folk stood on Grey Point to watch the great ship make its way up Belfast Lough as it set off on its fateful journey. www.titanicbelfast.com