Device Forts
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The Device Forts, also known as Henrician castles and blockhouses, were a series of artillery fortifications built to defend the coast of England and Wales by Henry VIII. Traditionally, the Crown had
16th-century keep and gun platform at Pendennis Castle
Reconstruction of life amongst the 16th-century garrison at St Mawes Castle
Reconstruction of a 16th-century cannon and gun crew at Pendennis Castle
Little Dennis Blockhouse in 2008
Henry VIII
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Henry VIII was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547. At the same time, he was Lord of Ireland until 18 June 1542, after which he was also King of Ireland.
Device Forts
…Forts, also known as Henrician castles and blockhouses, were a series of artillery fortifications built to defend the coast of England and Wales by Henry VIII. Traditionally, the Crown had left coastal defences in the hands of local lords and communities but the threat of French and Spanish invasion led the…
Portrait by Meynnart Wewyck, 1509
The meeting of Francis I and Henry VIII at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520
Henry (left) with Pope Leo X (centre) and Emperor Charles V (right); painting by unknown artist c. 1520