The Platform was built in the 13th century as a quay for God's House Hospital. In the 17th century it was extended and strengthened and became an important part of the town's defences, with a battery of cannon mounted on carriages. In the 18th century, as the threat of invasion receded, the guns were replaced with a saluting battery. One of the guns was an engraved culverine, presented to the town by Henry VIII, and later transferred to Tudor House Museum. In the early 19th century new nine-pound guns were supplied, to which were added later in the century, guns captured at the siege of Sebastapol. The saluting battery was often used during civic and national celebrations and other public occasions. In the early 20th century it was moved to West Quay.
Saluting Battery on the Platform
A view of the Platform of c.1850 showing the saluting battery
Saluting Battery on the Platform×
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