Photos

The Royal Citadel was the most important English defence for over 100 years with its 70 foot high walls.It remains one of Europe's finest 17th century fortifications.
It was built in 1665, on the orders of King Charles II, over the earlier Plymouth fort as a defense against a threatened Dutch invasion.
It has been in continuous use ever since.
It has been regularly strengthened over the years, particularly when it was equipped with 113 guns.

King Charles believed the Navy 'vital to the safety, honour and welfare of the realm',he was determined to protect Plymouth's military and commercial harbour.
Keen to safeguard his own interests, Charles II knew his fortress would also serve to intimidate rebellious locals who had staunchly supported Cromwell and the Parliamentarian cause during the Civil War.

With some guns pointed at the town rather than out to sea, locals had every reason to feel intimidated!

By the end of the 17th century the emphasis on defence changed due to developments in armaments from a central defensive unit to new forts and gun batteries in a ring around the Dockyard and the approaches to it.

Within its ramparts is a spacious parade ground, barracks for over 300 men and a collection of historic guns.

Every wall is set at a slightly different angle to enable lookouts to have the best possible view.

Thanks for looking.