A Brief History Of the Fort and Dock
At the time of the Napoleonic wars in the late 18th Century, life was turbulent and in Wales there was the threat of coastal invasion by the French. This was a time of hostility between America and the U.K. It is strange for us today to imagine unfriendly American ships in our waters but the reality of the threat became obvious when privateers operating at sea captured several of our ships, notably two post office ships which operated between Holyhead and Dublin.
Thomas Wynn, who at the time was Constable of Caernarfon, was aware of the threat and decided to take the initiative make a bold military decision to build a fort on the tip of the Dinlle Peninsula. He realized the vulnerability and strategic importance of this point as it overlooks the narrow entrance to the Menai Strait which runs between the mainland and the Isle of Anglesey. It is the access point to the North Wales coast and the City of Liverpool which even then was a port of international importance. This fort, now know as Belan Fort, is notable for being the only purpose built fortress of the American Revolution on this side of the Atlantic ocean.
Initially the fort was garrisoned by Wynn’s own troops and his actions and loyalty were rewarded with a peerage. The fort became part of the chain of defences against the threat of French invasion.
A century and a half later, during the Second World War Belan was occupied by all three services. The Royal Air Force dominated the scene as it took over what is now called Caernarfon Airport just two miles to the south.
Recent History
The Fort was purchased in 1992 specifically to carry out marine biological research as worries about the depletion of marine fish stocks had led to the wish to explore and develop natural ways of bringing on small fish to be returned to their natural habitat.
In 1996 the Fort was reclassified as a Grade 1 listed building. In common with many historical buildings the work of repair and renovation proves costly and on going and the Fort and the Dock are no exception. To help towards covering the costs, initially of the marine biologists, and later of the repair work, the houses have been gradually improved and restored to provide comfortable accommodation for visitors. Over the years the Fort has become a popular holiday venue and because of its unusual location and in-house facilities it has become a Mecca for several groups with shared interests.
A Maritime Fortress.
This book makes an important contribution to the history of North Wales, outlining in the extensive introductory chapters the history of both the Wynn family and Fort Belan. It is an illustrated catalogue, full of anecdotes and curiosities, which gives an in- depth presentation of over three hundred pieces of the collection of the Wynn family, reflecting their activities in the military and maritime fields and is one of the most important private maritime collections in the United Kingdom. The collection was housed at Belan prior to its acquisition in 1986 by the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
Copies of this excellent book by Michael Stammers, the one- time Keeper of the Merseyside Maritime Museum, are now available from the Fort office price £14.99.(members of the 'Friends of Belan Association£12.00) plus £2.50 P&P. For postal orders please ring 01270 526 244 or e mail soniblundell(at)aol.com
Early History of the peninsular
In 1539 Henry V111 Thomas Cromwell for a report on how best to defend North Wales against a Spanish invasion. The fortification of this headland was recommended.
It is clear that the strategic importance of the Dinlle peninsula as a whole was recognized in very early times. In the iron age Celtic peoples built a fortification at the southern end of the peninsula next to what is now Dinas Dinlle. It was occupied for more than three centuries.
Although now partly eroded by the sea which has led to the creation of a 100 ft-high cliff, this 31/2 acre fort still preserves its best features including a 20 ft-high rampart
It is also interesting to note that in the 9th and 10th Century the Foryd Bay, which separates the fort from Caernarfon, was used by the Vikings as a shelter.
The Dock was a later addition being built between 1824 and 1826 though it had been designed as part of the original fortifications. It owes its construction to the 2nd Baron Newborough who, soon after its completion, purchased three yachts, one of which he named after his mother Maria Stalla. This was the start of the family’s maritime tradition. The Baron died in 1832 at the age of 30 and was succeeded by his brother Spencer.
The 3rd Baron was a patron of the first Caernarfon sailing regatta which took place in 1845 and from which was born the Royal Welsh Yacht Club. Formed in 1875 it is now housed within the town walls of Caernarfon.
To this day the Fort and Dock remain largely as they were when originally constructed.
