Museum
The Grand Shaft
5 locals recommend,
Tips from locals
James
February 20, 2020
This is a must for history and engineering buffs. The Grand Shaft is part of the Western Heights complex. The Grand Shaft is open most weekend over the summer but its run by volunteers and so can be closed. Great as part of a day out to the Western Heights.
Lisa
January 29, 2020
When the Western Heights was being built, a solution was required to link the fortress to the harbour at the foot of the cliff to allow troops and equipment to get up or down quickly. The answer was this amazing triple helix staircase, spiralling 50 metres through the cliffs, around a central lightwell eight metres in diameter. The project was finished around 1807, and rumour has it that there was a strict hierarchy to the stairways: One was for officers, another for warrant officers and the third for rank and file soldiers. As with Western Heights, opening times are restricted, but don’t miss the chance to see the Grand Shaft when it’s open.
When the Western Heights was being built, a solution was required to link the fortress to the harbour at the foot of the cliff to allow troops and equipment to get up or down quickly. The answer was this amazing triple helix staircase, spiralling 50 metres through the cliffs, around a central light…
Diane
September 1, 2017
Heritage & History Fort
Location
Drop Redoubt Road
Dover, England