Exploring The Mysteries Of A Massive Abandoned Sea Fort On Horse Sand Solent (Palmerston Fortress)

Exploring inside of an abandoned sea fort Horse Sands which is one of the Solent forts between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. This was an epic explore which took months of planning and I am so excited to share it! Please subscribe for more: / nickturbo4000
Filmed with Sony A7Sii, Panasonic gh4, Phantom 3 and Go Pro.
Edited and graded in Adobe Premiere Pro 2017 and the music was created by me in FL Studio.
Check out my social media links:
Instagram: / nickturbo4000
Twitter: / urbexiow
Facebook: / abandonediow
Soundcloud: / nick-leonardo-stotesbury
The fort is one of four that were built in the 19th century to protect Portsmouth and the Solent against a potential French invasion.
Horse Sands is the joint largest of all of the UK sea forts and was built with 59 gun emplacements across its two gun floors.
The fort was built between 1865 and 1880 by the time the fort had been finished the threat of a French invasion had diminished and the technology of the guns become out-of-date.
Because of this the fort's were never needed to be used for their intended purpose and became known as "Palmerston's follies" after the Prime Minister who authorised their construction.
The numerous forts built during this period were the most
extensive and costly fixed defense structures built in Britain in peacetime.
Horse Sands was rearmed during the first and second world wars and during this period the fort was painted in a black and white checkered paint scheme.
It was painted in this way as a form of camouflage the purpose was not to make the fort invisible but instead to confuse attempts to attack it by making it difficult to accurately gauge the
distance of the fort.
The fort was deactivated after ww2 and used for coastal artillery up until 1956 in the 1960s the site was declared
surplus to requirement by the Ministry of Defense
In 2012 the company who owned the neighboring forts Spitbank and No Mans announced that they purchased Horse Sands.
The new owner intended to convert it into a museum with displays of the history of all three forts
Within the last month the
three Solent forts had been collectively put back on the market for the guide price of 11 million pounds

[@AbandonedIsleofWight]

I recently uploaded another HUGE explore of an abandoned Prison, check out the video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIfLe2t6mKmaf5Y

[@jamesrakestraw7125]

Exploring Inside Huge Abandoned Sea Fort - (Horse Sand Solent Palmerston Fort) for sale?

[@phillipdavies6548]

When I was in the Royal Engineers in 1965 I was on a Diving Course at the RE Diving School in Marchwood, Southampton. We course student divers were taken out to one of the forts in the Solent in a landing craft and we climbed up to the top in our rubber dive dry suits. From there we had to walk out on an I-beam that was used to pull ammunition up with a pulley. When we reached the end of the beam we had to jump off the 100+ foot high beam into the water below. It was a requirement to pass the course. I remember being terrified as I am scared of heights but managed it anyway. I passed the course as top student with very high marks. I was relieved that I only had to do that once. Later in my service I went back to the school as standby rescue diver/Instructor. h we took the course out to the fort to jump off I found that , as the courses junior instructor, I had to demonstrate to the students the correct and safe way to make the jump. I don't know how many times I ended up doing that but I DO know it was too bloody many. Never did it without being terrified of the walk out to the end.

[@timwilkinson2797]

Thanks Phillp

[@The-Real-Ando]

Phillip Davies nice story, thanks.

[@judebrown2672]

Respect. Well done.

[@Statimtek]

little disappointed that we didn't get an actual exploration of the fort, a walk through through each area. a la IKS. Love hoisting the pirate flag at the end.

[@marker]

Yeah pretty disappointing video had to fast forward most of the video

[@kitwalker2968]

Thinking the same thing...not an exploration.

[@richardbutlercoach]

agree on that!

[@charlesfitton9677]

Agree about the nature of the visit - so much detail overlooked and breezed by... The falg I liked the least....

[@chrisstacey1984]

its on the list :-)

[@bobertmcboberty1385]

You Just told us a story, we want a full walk through

[@salvinorindoge3811]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2SlnnSHjtN9b9k

[@philmoore71]

I wish the video had more footage of the fort itself

[@FenWolf68]

Dude, fantastic video and a great adventure, but the background music was a tad too loud and interfered with your commentary considerably, sorry.

[@LiamAKing]

These forts were our playground as kids......so much fun As an extra snippet..... We found The Mary Rose in that same near exact location....... 😉

[@neilfurby555]

Great stuff but a real battle with the background music.... what a shame.

[@Benson_aka_devils_advocate_88]

I thought you joked about him being a pirate. Until I saw him. Even looked the part!

[@delilahjackson110]

My dad was the roofer who kept these forts watertight throughout the 70s 80s and 90s

[@WW2HistoryHunter]

Thanks for sharing and Greetings from WW2HistoryHunter

[@frankflanigan4013]

I served 3 years in there back in the mid 70s watching this vid i recognized some of the landings in the wings and the out buildings where i used to sometimes work on outside work parties brought back memories

[@alexlewis388]

too everyone saying the videos disappointing because he just told the story, you do understand thats why we all love exploring is the history behind them

[@christopherfranklin972]

Well done!It's a shame that these and many other similar sites have not been properly conserved as part of our national heritage,your efforts at least help to bring them to peoples attention,THANK YOU!

[@AbandonedIsleofWight]

In fairness to the owners I believe that it was their intention to make the site a museum and work was started to clear the debris, however, the site needs a considerable investment and I'm not sure how financially viable it would be for them... It would be such a shame if it was left to just crumble away. Thank you very much for watching!

[@caragibson]

Really enjoy your explorations! My dad (Barry Gibson, gardener) lives in Bembridge so your videos are very special to me. Ignore any negative comments. Your videos are very well presented, executed, edited, planned and enjoyable. Keep safe and keep on keeping on ... with you in spirit!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Brilliant Would make an amazing home 🏠 Fantastic gesture putting up the Jolly Rodger 🏴‍☠️ Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@exploringwithgriz2079]

Totally bad ass the whole trip was amazing but the placement of the flag made the video so much more better yall marked your territory by placement ad not grafitti or vandalism much love and respect brother

[@TheClassifiedMan]

If i was a millionaire that would be bought and turned into a big home, amazing.

[@bytesabre]

Glad I got this in my recommends. I grew up in and around Portsmouth looking at these forts from the beach so was always curious as to what was there. UrbEx is fascinating

[@onlooker251]

I also grew up in this area as well. I use to go out to Stokes Bay and often wonder what I’d find on these forts that had been left abandoned. I believe they were de-commissioned around 1956. I did managed to get out to Spit bank Fort as a trip during one of the Navy Days that were held as open days of Portsmouth Naval Dock Yard. Spit bank fort was opened then as a museum. After all those years looking at these forts I found it fascinating. I still have a curiosity of these forts. Oddly enough, I always thought if I had the money I’d try to buy one!

[@scottholliday9308]

That was really cool. I would love to own something like that, and rebuild it to live there.

[@lonnieowsley]

Great show and tell from USA state Illinois 👏

[@kyngkraken8695]

Wow this place so beautiful I swear if I have the money 💴 it looks like a castle strong and solid

[@0011usagi]

I thought the same. If I come across a million quids (and a half for some restoration and bringing in fiber optics lol), I'm getting it !

[@paulknights3701]

Fantastic.... I didn't mean to spend my evening looking through your films. But I'm glad I did.

[@SaugotChowdhury]

4.9/5 that background music is too loud, diminishing the voice of narrator.

[@greenspannerman]

Great video, I've always wondered whats inside of these things, really enjoyed this one.

[@incorrect1844]

Best thing youtube recommended in a while

[@VacantHaven]

Nice one mate, just come from your post on Facebook! Liking the content. Subscribed mate

[@ardoughty5646]

hard to hear over the music at 6:45

[@spooksixsix]

Love this place, fabulous bit of 'offshore' urban expo !

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

Epic, I have sailed past the forts many, many times and always wished I could visit to explore. One is now done up but the cost must be huge to maintain. Thanks. Andy UK

[@AbandonedCityCamoCrewExplorers]

Pirate flag at the end was class watched all of it very good

[@raybutcher3542]

We used to sit there on the beach opposite, whenever our family walked out of the door, down two roads and we we there. Used to stare out at it for ages ok many a hot summers day. You always wonder what’s inside- it’s quite imposing, as they all are. Thanks for sharing. P.S. I always wonder how deep it is out there!

[@gavinprosser]

absolutely brilliant narration and background info............best ive ever seen and heard!

[@PhilbyFavourites]

As a regular Solent user I’m torn between the intrigue and the trespassing aspects. I'll quietly wind my neck in and just say I’m pleased to see you were all wearing life jackets.

[@Andy_M986]

Anyone with money could turn that into a resort, covered eternity pool in the middle, hotel rooms around the outside, solar panels, bars, restaurants, any number of possibilities, thanks for the tour.

[@222rich]

pretty steep buying price and a logistical nightmare getting guests there. It would be awesome though.

[@TrevBec]

Wow, some amazing footage there. Worth the Herculean efforts it took!

[@AbandonedIsleofWight]

Cheers thanks very much 😁👍

[@BerlinGonzalez]

The BG Music could be a little down so I can hear your voice better without too much noise from the music

[@rothley8674]

Great video very entertaining cheers pal love the isle of Wight have been many times👍

[@JimNichols]

I never wanted a lot of money until just now, purchace all three and restore one to live on. Make the other two museums.That would be amazing!

[@ryan1mcq]

Awesome vid man! These fort's, the navy memorial, round tower and the spinnaker tower in the distance were always a welcome sight after coming back from being away with the navy, you knew you were home, i miss Portsmouth.

[@isaiah30v8]

Used to play in Fort Gilkicker when I was a kid in the 60's.

[@101thingstodoinashed2]

My mates parents once owned this in the 90s. I think they bought it off the queens estate and later sold it to the mod or something like that. There are 5 keys, around 7 inches long. Each one has a number stamped at the top. My mate kept the 5th key.

[@errorASMR]

I want long videos like this, that I can relax for awhile with vs knowing it'll end in a few minutes and I'll have to pick another video to watch

[@evecole1824]

I love to explore were you are able to get the history of the area. Such as abandoned towns, homes, mining areas and the types. I schooled our children on weekend camping trips, and Drives. We would go one way and get home another way. On hot days, we would go around the lake we always camp at and get an ice cream for Hubby Daughter and I, but Son had serbet. We would get a cold drink. Kids got apple juice in a glass apple always. I a Pepsi and he had a Doctor Pepper. Always had at least 8 frozen 2 Lt. and smaller bottles. We always made it back to the camp before dark with enough time to get more wood for the fire and dinner about done. Our Son takes his Son just for short trips and will leave it to me to show him the places Our family comes from. I have been ordered to instruct him on how to get a vehicle unstuck in any weather. SO MUCH LOVE FOR THE VIDEO. I AM GLAD THAT YOU ARE NOT A NEWS CREW AND CUT THE INFORMATION DOWN TO 2 OR 4 MIN. JUST REMEMBER TO KILL THE ENGINE AND PULL UP THE SLACK , DON'T FORGET THE ANCHOR . WHAT A BLAST. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN VERY YOUNG TO EXPLORE AND BE EXCITED FOR WHAT THEY FIND. EXPLAIN WHAT THEY FOUND AND HOW IT WAS USED OR EVEN SHOW THEM HOW. I AM EXCITED TO SEE MORE OF YOUR VIDEOS!!!! I SEE GRAIN TOWER POOF .

[@davesawyer497]

Thanks for a great video. Echoing others, its shame that you didn't give a good video tour of the place. Was there a reason? I have been passed the forts a few times on power boat training. No Mans' Fort is a good waypoint for our purposes. They are impressive buildings and undoubtedly were expensive to build.

[@alikijones9314]

Great never seen before this, very informative. I love exploring when I can.

[@xrayperforator]

Isle of Wight - "La Isla Bonita" of my youth 😍

[@Shantaro25]

I want to turn that place into a self sufficient garden community

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

good luck hauling several tons of soil. would be cool though, assuming you can find enough salt-tolerant plants to give good yield. trees would be liable to damage the structure.

[@blacksunapocalypse]

One of those things that sounds really nice, but is super impractical.

[@noreworks]

what an adventure of a lifetime mates

[@Newbie49]

Fascinating. Thanks. You do wonder if these things should command such high asking prices or instead be leased, loaned or gifted to someone (English Heritage, etc) who will be able to make a business model work because they don't have the initial purchase cost. Though I guess that's already been suggested and it's the renovation not the £11m price tag that is the real killer.

[@jonathanhughes9281]

Really enjoyed this guys, thanks. I went on Spitbank when I was in the RN, so really nice to see inside one again. 🙂

[@christmas4342]

Awesome 👌

[@DesertifyUrbex]

You've reached another level with this one! Awesome site and very well filmed too.

[@g2macs]

Visited Spitbank years ago when the GFC did summer tours. Always wanted to buy one as they have spectacular views of the Solent, maybe if I win the lottery.

[@ceses6526]

you won the lottery yet? Lol

[@heidip5042]

thats an amazing place!!! Love how you decorated the table inside, would be a cool photo!

[@BalloonRace]

I've always wondered about these forts. Great video. Really well shot.

[@LostAdventuresExploring]

yo that was epic man! keep them coming!

[@paulaburrows8660]

Reminded me of the old Dr Who story "The Sea Devils"

[@KempSimon]

I wonder why?

[@stefanc4308]

I can see this fort from my house always wondered what it looked like inside 🙂

[@ladylaois8184]

Wow what amazing explorers you are! I lived in Pompey for many years wonderful area. Well done for you exploits brilliant

[@OddityOdysseys]

Excellent exploration of an amazing piece of history. Hopefully we'll make it out there at some point. Thank you for the education!

[@nathanlam9884]

They should bring it back to life and treasure the history

[@dianedoyle-mccahon4979]

Excellent information shared with a chat that is an offshoot of earthquake forecasting channel. To bandy about multitudes of alternative ideas. They will love this. I have seen pitches to get energy and water from the air. Falls in line with those. Would love to be off grid...

[@dcruz125]

What a beautiful place to visit

[@derekstocker6661]

The original asking price seems not too bad for such a fabulous site. What a totally unique home it would make for someone after a lot of work possibly, BUT when you see what prices some very ordinary homes make it seems not a lot to ask for a totally sturdy and well sited home. Great vid but more to be seen at some time in future possibly....

[@bazza945]

Not typing up the vital tender in a shipman like manner: forty lashes with a plastic straw!

[@iaindann3627]

Very well made/put together, top video. 👍🏻

[@SpaceCommand]

This got renovated into some flash Accommodation. There's a short clip of about 2 minutes on You Tube after the renovations were done. Has 2 Helipads, a grass area at the top, Deck Chairs etc. Looks nice.

[@AtheistOrphan]

UNSC INFINITY - No that’s the other one, which is still run as a hotel. Check out their website solentforts.com

[@billygillan821]

WOW,if If i was rich then once cleaned and fixed my dream home

[@c.p.7266]

That was great, thanks.

[@michaelbyrne2640]

It wood make a lovely home or hotel

[@jackthearcademaster7602]

Insane stuff . Lucky you didn't get caught. Great video

[@AbandonedIsleofWight]

Thank you 👍 It was very lucky indeed

[@123boat]

Fascinating video and extremely well made. I've been around this fort but never on it, so thanks for posting 😀👍

[@VidarrKerr]

Anyone who buys those has lost their minds. The work and costs required would be more than building a new one. Because it is in UK waters, it is also subject to all of their building codes. It will be almost impossible to meet those codes. Unless they get variances, there is no way. Even as a museum, vast portions of it would have to remain closed to the public.

[@adamlawrence427]

50 seconds in... I hope that dudes name isn't Dan....

[@insanelewis21]

Great video thanks for sharing. Being a solent boater we pass these forts often. Didnt hear you mention about the wall that runs out to the forts just under the surface all the way from beach at South Sea. There are only certain points to pass the wall.

[@judebrown2672]

Amazing vid. Thanks.

[@chrisnhely1]

love the pirate flag at the end, i would have done the same :)

[@nathandean1687]

make one hell of a private anti zombie island.

[@garyw1971]

Cool vid 👊

[@harryhawkes3458]

Such a good video as always, I always look forward to your videos as I live on the Isle of Wight and have tried to gain access into some of these buildings but failed on some but glad that you managed to get it to them all so I can still see. Keep up the good work!

[@AbandonedIsleofWight]

Thank you very much & thank you for watching! 😁👍

[@Puzzoozoo]

As a military construct, given the time it took to build, and the cost required, when it was finished, it seemed hardly worth the time, money and effort for what it achieved before it was decommissioned, and then abandoned.

[@KempSimon]

During the Great War with Russia, the combined British and French armies attacked the naval base at Sebastopol from the landward side. This made the British painfully aware that their main naval base, at Portsmouth, was equally vulnerable to attack by both land and sea. The Imperial French Navy had just built a new base at Cherbourg and had acquired an ironclad battleship called "La Gloire", To counter the supposed threat from Napoleon III of France, Portsmouth was ringed with forts both on land and at sea. Of course, by the time they were finished France had been defeated by Germany in the Franco-Prussian War but that's another story!

[@Joeyknows924]

Fantastic engineering feat

[@204driver]

Absolutely fantastic video . So professional.

[@juddbrady1825]

Absolutely brilliant lads!!!

[@sugandanataatmaja3331]

Masya Allah Very Good Fort Building Is Very Luxury

[@MrWightHD]

No Man's Land was a great place to explore pre conversion, very similar to this

[@aidanhinchliffe166]

Again, another amazing vid

[@quinnking8405]

Would be sick to live there

[@scopex2749]

Well done from a aging pirate! A superb Urbex guys brings back memories of my days exploring many summers ago! LOVE THE FLAG touch! I'll need the fountain of eternal life soon me otherwise I'll be off to crew the Dutchman!

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I went on one of those in the 1980s. You could only land directly from the boat. 150 soldiers were based there.

[@Trish1]

Great pirate exploring ... wish it was a longer video though. Glad you got the dinghy back and sorted the prop - the joys of seafaring. How long did the S&C stay up? Nice filming👍

[@nicholasbell9017]

Just a thought; when these incredible forts were manned and in use, how did they get supplied with water? Was it piped in, brought by sea in tankers or were the forts built over fresh water springs? The latter may sound far-fetched, but there are springs of fresh water that come out offshore. Maybe the design incorporated drains that collected rainwater into a tank. Anybody have any gen on this? Nick.

[@KempSimon]

Each of the sea forts had a well which extended down into the chalk aquifer deep beneath the bed of The Solent. When Spit Bank Fort was open to the public for Saturday night hog roasts and disco's you could look down the 400 foot shaft which had electric lights at intervals. It would have been impossible to supply the wartime garrison with enough fresh water without the wells!

[@lmt-nw7zs]

Great video, love the fort. Went online to look for it, end now it's a hotel. Lucky somebody saved it.

[@GarethColwell]

Alas, Horse Sands Fort that is featured in this video is still untouched - it's the other forts, No Man's Land & Spitbank that have been refurbished.

[@VictorGarcia-gy8yv]

Let's go find the prisioner 627

[@davidm3maniac201]

Love this video

[@pigdogurbex]

What a great adventure lads, wish I lived closer!

[@paulyh4531]

Super video. I been on two of these one I worked on one and the other was when it was a museum in the 80s/90s 👍

[@roniquebreauxjordan1302]

Would be amazing to visit

[@aaron___6014]

Built to last, you can give em that