THE FRIENDS OF BELAN ASSOCIATION
'Conserving the past for a creative future'
Restoration work
It is a pity to have to report that the tower and tabernacle pictured below, which were restored between 2006 and 2010, are again showing the damaging effects of the weather. The combination of salt air and high winds etc have wrought havoc and the damage needs to be re-addressed.Though this is only to be expected, it is hard not to be discouraged.
Ivy and Valerian and other plants have established themselves in the walls and are weakening the structure. The conservation officer has asked us to remove them and we have made a start but are finding its removal it extremely difficult.
In 2017 FOBA covered 50% of the cost of a detailed survey of the Fort and Dock by
gareth.rennie@hafodplanningconsultants.co.uk in order to establish the extent of the work needed to preserve the fabric of the buildings. The survey was up-dated in 2024. Recently one of the inner walls is showing signs of collapse and will have to be taken down and rebuilt. The existing stone will be reused.
The Dock Machinery
Up-date March 2026
We were delighted last year whent the College Marine Archeological Departement of Pwhelli College told us that they were keen to get involved with the restoration of the machinery in the dock. This is badly in need of attention. Please see the photos are on the 'NEWS' page. The work is to be be fitted into the students curriculum. The students would have the use of the forge which would be a good learning opportunity as there is no forge in the college workshop.
The Conservation Officer has been consulted and permission has been given for the work to get underway and the Crane is due to be collected and taken to Pwhelli College for work to begin.
Sadly the chain furnace has been declared unsafe and can no longer be visited. We have contacted Chatham Dockyard and two other major dockyards to ask whether they know of any other similar structures andenquiries have been made further afield, but no answers has been forthcoming. We are wondering if it is possible that the metal work could have been made on site in the Fort's own forge. The question is, who designed this very unusual structure?
n 2024 The Sundial Was restored to its former glory! Full details are given on the 'News'page.
After many years the weather and salt air took their toll and the Anglesey Hussars worked to renovate them and restore sthem to full working order.
. They were originally restored with the help of Centec International, as were two smaller cannon which are on either side the South Gate, as seen on the 'Welcome ' page of this web site.
The Sundial
This was erected in the 1890's at the time of the building of the Watch Tower and was made by Francis Barker, one of the most important makers of sundials and scientific instruments of his period. Each dial was made individually for its intended location. The sundial at Fort Belan tells us that we are precisely 53 degrees 7 arc minutes North and helpfully adds “Slow of Greenwich 17 mins”, which is very unusual to see on dials.
The 24lb cannon at the moment of firing!
The Watch Tower
Starting the renovation
After renovation
Flying the flag! A new Welsh Dragon flag purchased by FOBA The flagpole is resting in the restored Tabernacle
The Tabernacle before restoration
The Tabernacle and Flagpole
The Forge
The Anglesey Hussars, in conjunction with FOBA, have restored the Forge and adjoining room in the dock area. The roof has now been re-slated but 'torching' remains to be done.
The forge was used to demonstrate horseshoes making and fitting.
Bellows.
These are the old bellows which are now on display in the Forge. A replacement set of C18 bellows were purchased, which though old, are in good working order.
The Anvil
To complete the job, (and put the icing on the cake!), FOBA has purchased an anvil. The Forge will once again be equipped and ready for action, courtesy of the Hussars and the 'Friends of Belan'!
The Anvil
The anvil, being put to good use in the Forge by Alex Livingstone and Gavin Rennie.
The Turret Bell
Restoration of the Bell
The bell which bears the date 1854 was restored at the famous Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London. It was attached to the north-facing wall of Tower House. When work was carried out on the roof it was seen that the bracket was unsafe and both it and the bell needed attention. At the Hussars' suggestion we contacted the famous Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London and this proved to be the very best possible advice. The foundry records showed that not only was the bell cast at Whitechapel, but they were able to tell us the names of the people who did the casting! They believe that the bell is likely to be one of those ordered and supplied to the 'Board of Ordnance' who may have been responsible for equipping the Fort. When the foundry was asked if they would be prepared to undertake the task of renovation, their pleasing response was: "Of course we would be happy to carry out the work to the bell; after all we made it, so this is 'return custom'!' They pointed out that 150 years is a pretty typical interval before major work is carried out on a bell and so, they said, ’this will be its first service'!
The Turret Bell under restoration at the Whitechapel Foundry