The fort that's falling into the sea

Coastal erosion:
the fort that's falling into the sea

The south-eastern corner of Yorkshire has one of Europe's fastest eroding coastlines. Over the centuries, many communities have been lost to the waters of the North Sea (once known as the German Ocean). The original village of Kilnsea disappeared some generations ago - the present hamlet bearing the name essentially represents a westward migration to escape disaster. But the sea is fast catching up.

Shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, the Godwin Battery was established at Kilnsea. This was added to during the Second World War. It had gun emplacements, search light, barracks, officers' mess, a hospital, and was the terminus for a military railway running down to further fortifications at Spurn Point. The principal material used in the construction of the installation was concrete, applied on an attack-proof scale.

Today, the fort is falling into sea. On this page is a collection of photographs taken on 9th September, 2005. The losses of villages and farms, churches and houses in the past may only be imagined from contemporary accounts. At Kilnsea, the destructive forces of coastal erosion can be observed 'live'.

Godwin Battery, Kilnsea (1)