Fortress Portland - 'The design and construction of the naval base and its defences, 1840-1912.' by David Evans

This is the title of a new book that FSG is trying to get published. It will be the first comprehensive, illustrated account of the development of Portland's naval harbour and its Victorian fortifications.  

Our potential publishers would like to have an indication of the level of interest in the book to help assess the feasibility of publication. If you would like updates about the book's availability, please use the following link or the QR code to share your email. This is not a purchase commitment. 

Fortress Portland - New book interest survey

If publication proves feasible it is expected that FSG members will be able to buy the book at a discounted pre-publication price.

The photographs are from the 2006 FSG Study Tour (David Clarke) - they are not for the book.

A bit more about the book

As there is currently very little published material on the history of Portland Harbour and its associated defences, FSG is working on completing an unfinished book by the late Dr David Evans, who sadly passed away in 2022. With the full support of his widow, Val, the intention is to see this important piece of research made publicly available.

This will be the first large-scale, fully-illustrated account of the development of the naval harbour at Portland and the fortifications built to defend it during the second half of the nineteenth century.

As an indication of what to expect FSG members may be familiar with other works by Dr Evans including Building the Steam Navy (Conway Maritime Press & English Heritage, 2003) and Arming the Fleet (Explosion! Museum & English Heritage, 2006).

Thought lost when the author died in 2022, the manuscript was subsequently rediscovered, together with many of the illustrations, and is now being prepared for publication, with a new introduction and conclusion, as well as many additional images.