The Royal Citadel
IMG_1392
An active fortress to this day, it is home to 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
**Precis of Reasons for Designation and Historical Development of The Citadel, Plymouth**
The Citadel at Plymouth is one of the most complete surviving examples of a bastioned artillery fortress in England, constructed between 1665 and 1675 on the site of an earlier Elizabethan fort (1592–98). Designed by Sir Bernard de Gomme for Charles II, it demonstrates an unusual irregular plan adapted to the site’s topography, with its substantial stone walls backed by earth ramparts. Its strategic placement on Plymouth Hoe protected the Cattewater anchorage and reflects the evolution of coastal defence systems from the Elizabethan period to the 20th century.
Much of the original fort’s lower elements were incorporated into the Citadel, including parts of the curtain wall and bastions. The fortification includes six bastions and one demi-bastion linked by curtain walls, with ramparts, ditches, outworks (such as ravelins and covered ways), and the Queen’s Battery. The main Baroque-style gateway, designed by an associate of Wren, survives and is rich in architectural detail. The site also retains several 17th-century internal buildings including the guardhouse, Great Store, and Governor’s and Lieutenant-Governor’s houses.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Citadel was adapted and upgraded in response to changing military requirements, including the construction of casemates, additional batteries, and traverses. The 1728 statue of George II is a notable feature. Major works in the 1890s included demolition of earlier elements and additions such as barracks and a canteen. During World War II, the Citadel served as the Coast Artillery Training Centre.
The monument offers an extensive physical and documentary record of evolving military architecture and coastal defence strategy. While many modern structures are excluded from the scheduling, the ground beneath remains protected. The Citadel’s historical significance is underscored by its architectural coherence, rarity, and association with pivotal national events, including the Glorious Revolution of 1688. It is a Scheduled Monument, with many buildings designated as Grade II Listed.
Scheduled Monument. Scheduling is the process of legally protecting nationally important archaeological sites—both above and below ground—such as burial mounds, standing stones, and monastic remains. A site is added to the Schedule if deemed of national significance by the Secretary of State and if scheduling is considered beneficial for its preservation.
The Royal Citadel Mid-17th Century Bastioned Artillery Defence..., Non Civil Parish - 1012943 | Historic England. historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012943.
The Royal Citadel
IMG_1392
An active fortress to this day, it is home to 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
**Precis of Reasons for Designation and Historical Development of The Citadel, Plymouth**
The Citadel at Plymouth is one of the most complete surviving examples of a bastioned artillery fortress in England, constructed between 1665 and 1675 on the site of an earlier Elizabethan fort (1592–98). Designed by Sir Bernard de Gomme for Charles II, it demonstrates an unusual irregular plan adapted to the site’s topography, with its substantial stone walls backed by earth ramparts. Its strategic placement on Plymouth Hoe protected the Cattewater anchorage and reflects the evolution of coastal defence systems from the Elizabethan period to the 20th century.
Much of the original fort’s lower elements were incorporated into the Citadel, including parts of the curtain wall and bastions. The fortification includes six bastions and one demi-bastion linked by curtain walls, with ramparts, ditches, outworks (such as ravelins and covered ways), and the Queen’s Battery. The main Baroque-style gateway, designed by an associate of Wren, survives and is rich in architectural detail. The site also retains several 17th-century internal buildings including the guardhouse, Great Store, and Governor’s and Lieutenant-Governor’s houses.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Citadel was adapted and upgraded in response to changing military requirements, including the construction of casemates, additional batteries, and traverses. The 1728 statue of George II is a notable feature. Major works in the 1890s included demolition of earlier elements and additions such as barracks and a canteen. During World War II, the Citadel served as the Coast Artillery Training Centre.
The monument offers an extensive physical and documentary record of evolving military architecture and coastal defence strategy. While many modern structures are excluded from the scheduling, the ground beneath remains protected. The Citadel’s historical significance is underscored by its architectural coherence, rarity, and association with pivotal national events, including the Glorious Revolution of 1688. It is a Scheduled Monument, with many buildings designated as Grade II Listed.
Scheduled Monument. Scheduling is the process of legally protecting nationally important archaeological sites—both above and below ground—such as burial mounds, standing stones, and monastic remains. A site is added to the Schedule if deemed of national significance by the Secretary of State and if scheduling is considered beneficial for its preservation.
The Royal Citadel Mid-17th Century Bastioned Artillery Defence..., Non Civil Parish - 1012943 | Historic England. historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012943.