Join us on a journey through history, current day and future aspirations...
The war for American Independence prompted the first evolution of building in 1775 on the Maker site. The Amherst Battery in Kingsand to repel enemy landings was built before construction on a number of fortifications at Maker Heights in the 1780’s. Shortly after the Garrison moved in prompting the building of the Garrisons of Maker, Grenville, Hawk-ins and Raleigh Batteries into the late 19th century.
As a significant defence, an anti-aircraft battery was erected and evolved through the 1930’s and 40’s. The concrete shelters at Maker formed the frontline defences of Plymouth during the air raids of the Second World War.
Camp Maker was established by the concern of the first female politician Nancy Astor, who wanted a place for children to be able to experience nature and play safely amidst the poverty that served the 1920s and through the wars. The camp ran as a summer break for thousands of children, who got to leave the cities for the fresh air of the countryside and adventure of the Rame Peninsula. It ran all the way till the 1980’s when the project was defunded.
Working in partnership, Neighbouring Landowners, Evolving Places, Historic England and the Mount Edgecumbe Estate with Cornwall Council commission Cornwall Archaeological Unit to write a Conservation Management Plan for the site to create a holistic framework and a 5 year plan to see the buildings brought back into use by 2025.
During a very successful first year of opening The Sea Forts camp site and months of hard work, we have completed the restoration of the Guard House. The building has been lovingly repaired and renovated, painting and restoring the window frames and doors, using the original, authentic colours, keeping the original appearance in line with Heritage England.
Maker Heights is reimagined as The Sea Forts, a new adventure camp with The Guardhouse café, letting visitors explore the site once more and funding its future development and conservation.
The remainder of the buildings in the Barracks Courtyard are to be lovingly restored and brought back to life as studios and co working spaces supporting innovative new creative business. The restoration begins on the Sergeants Quarters, the Coal Shed and the Caponier. During this time The Sea Forts will also be working with Historic England and Cornwall Council on forming the next iteration of the Conservation Management Plan which will look to the future and set out our vision for the long term sustainability of the site.
The war for American Independence prompted the first evolution of building in 1775 on the Maker site. The Amerhurst Bettery in Kingsand to repel enemy landings was built before construction on a number of fortifications at Maker Heights in the 1780’s. Shortly after the Garrison moved in prompting the building of the Garrisons of Maker, Grenville, Hawk-ins and Raleigh Batteries into the late 19th century.
As a significant defence, an anti-aircraft battery was erected and evolved through the 1930’s and 40’s. The concrete shelters at Maker formed the frontline defences of Plymouth during the air raids of the Second World War.
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