The East Weare group of Batteries lies on the lower slopes below the Verne Citadel in Portland. Between 1862 and 1869 a total of five batteries were built here, armed with 9-inch and 10-inch RML guns. A sixth battery was planned but never built. These were designated as Batteries ‘A’ through to ‘E’. In 1870 these five batteries mounted the following RML in barbette positions:
Listing Type : Coastal Battery
Location : England
‘A’ BATTERY
(No,4)
Five 9-inch RML
Two 10-inch RML
‘B’ BATTERY
(No.3)
Two 9-inch RML
One 10-inch RML
‘C’ BATTERY
(No.5)
Two 9-inch RML
Two 10-inch RML
‘D’ BATTERY
(No.2)
Two 9-inch RML
One 10-inch RML
‘E’ BATTERY
(No.6)
Two 9-inch RML
One 10-inch RML
By 1888 it was decided that all the guns should be 10-inch RMLs on long range mountings. By 1891 the armament had been reduced to:
‘A’ BATTERY
(No,4)
Four 10-inch RML
‘B’ BATTERY
(No.3)
Two 10-inch RML
‘C’ BATTERY
(No.5)
Two 10-inch RML
‘D’ BATTERY
(No.2)
Two 9-inch RML
‘E’ BATTERY
(No.6)
NIL
There was also a military prison built here, East Weare Camp, situated above the A and B Batteries.