Warden Point Battery (Fort Warden) was originally built between 1862 and 1863 to mount four 7-inch and four 9-inch RML guns on barbette mounts. In 1873 the original guns were all been replaced by 9-inch RML guns. The gunners for the battery were accommodated in Golden Hill Fort.
Between 1885 and 1888 the two left hand (West) gun pits were remodelled for trials with the 9-inch RML High Angle Fire RML gun. There were also trial carried out with a long range carriage for 9-inch RML gun. These two emplacements were demolished in 1898. Trials were also carried out at Warden Point Battery with disappearing search lights, similar to the one at Fort Victoria. At this time the exact location of this searchlight is not known.
Warden Point Battery was upgraded between 1898 and 1899 to mount four 6-inch Mark VII BL guns in two pairs. At the same time two 9.2-inch Mark X guns were mounted just to the South of the existing three 6-inch guns. In 1900 a further 9.2-inch BL gun was added to give three guns. Warden Point Battery thus became one of the better armed coastal defence batteries on the Isle of Wight.
The 6-inch BL guns were placed in reserve in 1907, with an additional two 3-pdr Q.F. guns added between the right and centre 9.2-inch guns.
Drone footage can be see at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWvW4mMfDAQ.
Two of the original 9.2-inch gun emplacements have been built over in recent years but one pit still survives (2025).
Totland Position Finding Station was built immediately West of the 9.2-inch emplacements.
Thanks to John Cooper and Alistair Graham Kerr who have provided some images for this plot.