Newhaven Fort welcomes royal visit to commemorate £7.5m restoration

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visited Newhaven Fort on Thursday to unveil a commemorative plaque celebrating the completion of its £7.5 million restoration.

During his visit, The Duke embarked on a guided tour highlighting key restoration efforts, including the fort's brand-new adventure playground, restored casemates and enhanced exhibitions.

The Duke, who is a keen architect and Patron of the Fortress Study Group , also visited the newly-restored gun emplacements, which offer panoramic views across the Sussex coastline.

Among those in attendance were Cllr Lesley Boniface, Chair of Lewes District Council, alongside key members of the restoration project team.

The 19th-century fort, the largest defensive structure ever built in Sussex, reopened in February following a year-long restoration.