The abandoned ‘alien’ forts off Britain’s coast

These sea forts were built to defend the country from air raids – but today they look like a lost set from The War of the Worlds. We explored the eerie, abandoned structures.

If you venture just seven miles off the British coast to a place called Red Sands, you will encounter an unusual sight – giant towers rising from the ocean on rusted legs. They look almost alien, but are actually a relic of Britain’s military past: the Maunsell Forts.

Built in the Thames Estuary to defend the United Kingdom from air raids during the World War Two, the forts have been decommissioned for more than 50 years. Delicate and at risk, they are usually off-limits to the public. But we got special access with the help of a group of passionate volunteers, flying a drone around the strange structures, learning about their surprising history… and seeing the ambitious project trying to secure their future.

BBCW

BBCW

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