Since Hurst Castle was shown on the 1587 Richard Popinjay map it was known that the coast from Hurst Castle to the east was safe, but the coast to the west was dangerous as there was no harbour. Henry VIII was anxious to protect England from Catholic Europe and so had the castle constructed in 1544. In 1588 the Spanish Armada threatened and cannon were added to the fortification. 

The Civil War resulted in the imprisonment of Charles I, firstly in Carisbrook Castle on the Isle of Wight, and then in Hurst Castle. 

Hurst Castle was involved in the Duke of Monmouth’s insurrection and the Battle of Sedgemoor on 6 July 1685 but was unaffected. 

It continued as a prison and deterrent during the reign of William III. In May 1700 Father Paul Atkinson was imprisoned there because he was a Catholic, and although he was allowed to walk out and go to a farm for tobacco and ale he eventually died there on 15 October 1729, aged 54. 

The French Revolution prompted the ill-fated Quiberon Expedition.  There were local men who had become famous Admirals in the battles that followed, particularly Admiral Sir William Cornwallis, who lived at Newlands Manor, a stone’s throw from where we listened to the talk. 

In 1860 forts were constructed along the south coast to augment Hurst Castle in protecting England from the French, but from that time the Castle slumbered. It was used during both World Wars but still did not need to fire at the enemy, hence the name “The Silent Sentinel”

A fascinating and well-researched talk was followed by the usual excellent lunch and a chance to chat to friends. 

Talk By Chris Hobby and Paul French. 4 February 2026