Did you know that beneath our feet once stood a mighty fortress? This is the Former Site of Fort Kelburne. It played a crucial role in Wellington’s coastal defenses. Let me tell you its story.
Fort Kelburne was built between 1885 and 1887. This construction followed fears of a war with Russia. People called it the “Russian scare.” New Zealand worried about attacks on its harbors.
Fort Kelburne along with Fort Buckley protected Wellington Harbour. They were the first coastal defenses in this area. Imagine the hustle and bustle during its construction. Workers toiled to complete the fort.
The fort’s naming is interesting. It might be named after Viscount Kelburne. He was the eldest son of Lord Glasgow. Lord Glasgow was the governor-general of New Zealand. He served from 1892 to 1897.
Fort Kelburne had a unique design. It was built on tiered levels. This design followed the hill’s shape. The main guns stood 37 meters apart. That’s about 120 feet.
A brick and concrete wall surrounded the gun pits. A spiked steel fence topped this wall. This was to stop land attacks. Underground passages linked the guns. These were bomb-proof. All galleries were built using the cut-and-cover method.
The fort had impressive armaments. From 1887 to 1925, it housed two 6-inch disappearing guns. It also had a 13 or 15-pounder Nordenfelt gun. These guns were state-of-the-art for their time. The disappearing guns were special. After firing, the recoil pushed them underground. This allowed reloading under cover.
Interestingly, Fort Kelburne never fired shots in anger. It mainly served for training. Renovations occurred during World War One. After the war, the New Zealand Army left. Ownership transferred to the Public Works Department.
Sadly, the fort met its end in 1963. The Public Works Department demolished it. This was to build connecting roads. These roads were for the Wellington Urban Motorway and Ngauranga Gorge.
Today, little remains of Fort Kelburne. The motorway covers much of the site. However, some remnants exist. The access road from Ngauranga still exists. One 6-inch Armstrong gun stands at Trentham Military Camp. Other artifacts are at the National Army Museum in Waiouru.
Fortunately, the demolition was well-documented. Photographs and diagrams were made. You can find copies at Archives New Zealand. The National Library of New Zealand also has them.
Think about the people who served here. They trained and prepared for a war that never came. Their efforts contributed to Wellington’s defense. Fort Kelburne is a reminder of a time of fear. It represents New Zealand’s commitment to protecting its shores.
So next time you drive on the motorway, remember Fort Kelburne. It may be gone. But its story remains a part of Wellington’s history. A story of defense, innovation, and a world on edge.