Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle is one of forty two of these Device Forts or Henrician Castles at they are also known. It's strategic position at the end of Hurst Spit, made it a formidable defence for the Needles Passage - a narrow stretch of water separating Hurst Spit and the Isle of Wight. Southampton Water was already well protected with nearby Forts built in Calshot, Netley and Hamble. However, Henry was committed to his coastal defence project and in 1541, construction began at Hurst Castle. The castle was battle ready by 1544 and equipped with twenty guns of various sizes. But, things were relatively peaceful on southern shores for the remainder of the sixteenth century. Maybe Henry's Forts were a sound deterrant to invaders! In the1600s, Hurst Castle had an important role to play during the English Civil War, not as a fort, but as a prison. In December 1648, Hurst Castle incarcerated its most famous prisoner, King Charles I. The unfortunate monarch was imprisoned here for nineteen days before being taken to London for his execution. Hurst Castle was later commissioned in the 1700s, as a prison for those who were found to be spreading the Catholic faith. In fact, one of the castles longest prisoners was Father Paul Atkinson who was locked away for doing just that. He was imprisoned for thirty miserable years until his death at the age of seventy four. By 1793, Britain found itself at war with France. It was noted that Hurst Castle was one of the most vulnerable of the Forts and needed modernisation and new artillery. Eighteen captured French 9-pounder guns were added to its defences along with two 5 gun batteries, each with 36 pound French canons. Hurst Castle meant business and was once again a formidable fortress. Further modifications were made in the early 1850s with the deepening of the moat and reinforcements made to the castle's defences. The castle played an important role during both World Wars and was equipped and ready to defend from modern threats. In 1956, with peace across Britain's shores, coastal artillery was disbanded and Hurst Castle was given to the Ministry of Works who are known today as English Heritage. With a long and colourful history, Hurst Castle has become a popular attraction for paranormal enthusiasts. Alleged hauntings include the restless spirit of King Charles I, tormented by thoughts of his impending execution. It's said his footsteps can be heard pacing in the castle keep where he was imprisoned. Or maybe, those footsteps belong to the Catholic Priest who died in the castle's prison. Other paranormal reports include the disembodied cries of a woman weeping and the sound of soldiers marching. Some investigators clam to have made contact with King Henry VIII himself! Hurst Castle certainly remains an intriguing place of historical and paranormal interest to all it's visitors.