Jenny and Rob Watkins have been NAS members for many years and were delighted to be able to complete their cannon recording training recently.

Rob and I completed our online Cannon research and recording course in 2023. Although several practical courses were planned it wasn’t until August 2025 that we were able to attend and finish our training. 

We left home early in the morning to get a breakfast at a well known supermarket before meeting up for the course at Osprey Leisure Centre in Portland. We were met by our tutor for the course Nick Reed. Our day started with refreshments and an introduction from all six of the students. Nick provided a refresher on the cannon recording theory along with a bit of extra information and we had the opportunity to ask questions. Handouts were provided so it was good to concentrate on the information and not try to take too many notes. 

image: Nick Reed teaching a cannon course

After a comfort break it was off to Historic England’s Portland Castle, one of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery forts built to defend Portland Harbour. It was a short walk from the leisure centre and we were able to examine and record the cannons on display. We worked in pairs and through the gun ports were able to get a view over the harbour that the cannons defended.

image: NAS students measuring cannon at Portland Castle

We went back to the Osprey centre for lunch though there were several options from which the students could choose.

After lunch it was time to travel by car to the High Angle Battery. We had been advised to wear suitable clothing and a good pair of shoes was useful on the loose gravel paths. There was such a lot to see here that a return visit is well worth while. Most of the walking is on level paths which is useful to know. 

We spent some time measuring and recording a Victorian Cannon, the Mark III rifled, muzzle loading (RML) 64 pounder, made by Woolwich Arsenal in 1880. This had been used as a bollard at Portland Port after being deemed to be obsolete. It was used for berthing vessels for more than a century before it was extracted, restored and relocated to the High Angle Battery.

images: Mark III cannon and sign

The battery itself was built in the 1890s to defend Portland Harbour but fell into disrepair and was placed on Historic England’s Heritage at risk register in 2022. The site itself has been revitalised through various grants. It now has new interpretation panels, improved access and structural repairs. 

image: new signage at the battery

We then returned to Portland Castle to record more cannons but not before a welcome visit to the Captain’s Tearoom as it was a hot and sunny day and refreshments were required. We were restored by drinks, cakes and ice creams and then returned to the gardens for a final feedback session. It was a really wonderful informative day which I highly recommend.

This practical cannon recording course will be repeated in Spring 2026. Watch out on our website and social media for when the date is announced.  

The online cannon recording course is available here