How could Gibraltar withstand attack without ships from the north? The answer lies before you at Castle Batteries. These artillery batteries form part of Gibraltar’s Northern Defences. Castle Batteries descend from the Moorish Castle. They end at the sixth and seventh batteries known as Crutchett’s Batteries.
Armies could only attack Gibraltar from the north. That is why this area was heavily fortified. The only gate to Spain was called Landport. Cornwell described how it was defended. He mentioned several batteries, including Crutchett’s and the Grand Battery. He speculated that no army could withstand the grapeshot from 400 heavy artillery pieces.
Castle Batteries consist of seven distinct batteries. These were built on towers. The towers ran down along the wall. They stretched from the Moorish Castle to Grand Casemates.
Let’s explore each of these crucial batteries. The 1st Castle Battery stood closest to the Tower of Homage. In 1859, it held a 24-pounder Carronade. This was removed by 1886. The 2nd Castle Battery had two 24-pounder guns in 1859. These were also removed by 1886. The 3rd Castle Battery was armed with two 24-pounder guns in 1859. They met the same fate.
The 4th Castle Battery featured three 32-pounder guns in 1859. Like the others, they were gone by 1886. A searchlight position was later built on this tower. The 5th Castle Battery initially had five 24-pounder guns in 1859. By 1886, it boasted two 64/32-pounder RML guns. A Defence Electric Light and concrete shelters were added during World War II.
The 6th Castle Battery, also known as Upper Crutchetts Battery, had two 24-pounder guns in 1859. In 1886, emplacements were readied for three 32-pounder SB guns. The 7th Castle Battery, or Lower Crutchetts Battery, sits at the bottom. It overlooks the main Landport Gate. In 1859, it housed three 32-pounder guns. By 1886, three 32-pounder SB guns were still mounted. Two faced north from casemated positions. The third covered the entrance to Landport. During World War II, a machine gun position was built over it. A looped wall covered the Landport gate approaches. A natural cave behind the position served as a magazine. One casemated position was converted to hold an anti-tank gun in World War II.
Under Crutchett’s Battery, brick vaulted bombproof rooms exist. These casemates offered protection. Castle Communication was a short tunnel. It was built in 1789. It linked the barracks at Moorish Castle to Crutchett’s Ramp. Then it continued into the King’s Lines. It passed through the wall between the 3rd and 4th Castle Batteries.
Queen Charlotte’s Battery complements the Northern Defences. It housed two guns in 1859. It was deemed a retired battery due to its distance from Gibraltar Harbour. This offered protection from direct enemy fire. Its elevated position enhanced visibility and range.
Today, Castle Batteries stand as a testament to Gibraltar’s strategic importance. They showcase the territory’s military history. Their design ensured that no invading force could easily breach its defenses.