Old Blockhouse TR24 0QW
Free for Everyone
Open: Seasonal - See website
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About:
This small blockhouse was built between 1548 and 1554 to defend the harbour of Old Grimsby, on the east coast of Tresco in the Isles of Scilly.
The Old Blockhouse formed part of a series of forts built on the Isles of Scilly during the reigns of Edward VI and Mary I, and followed the attempt to build a large artillery fort, known as Harry’s Walls, on St Mary’s. In fact, the blockhouse did not see action until the 17th century, during the English Civil War. In 1651 a Royalist garrison was defending the islands against attack by a Parliamentarian fleet commanded by the famous Admiral Blake. Blake attacked Tresco first, capturing its fortifications without difficulty, and then used the island as a base to assault the main Royalist stronghold at Star Castle on St Mary’s. Though vigorously defended, the Old Blockhouse clearly proved of little value against the longer-range guns of Blake’s ships. It was replaced afterwards by the much stronger gun fort, called Cromwell’s Castle, on the other side of the island, though it was still considered serviceable in the 18th century.

Dog Friendly:
Dogs on leads are welcome.

Parking:
There is no parking on location.

Facilities:
There are no facilities onsite.

Notes:
The blockhouse is only accessible on foot, via a 20 minute walk from Old Grimsby along pleasant lanes.
There are steep and uneven steps up to the Blockhouse entrance, with sheer drops from inside the ruins.

Contact:
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181