Fort Victoria was built in 1855, Fort Victoria was built within 18 months, partly because the 350 workmen were allowed to stay on H.M.S. Talbot, moored near the site, by the Admiralty. The fort is split into several casemates to prevent the destructive passage of round shot from the flank along the whole line of guns, while the brick vaulting would offer overhead protection against sea-borne mortars. To discourage enemy marines from attempting a boat attack, the seaward faces of the fort were defended by a deep, water filled ditch 20 feet wide and with stone sides. The top of the inner side was curved to prevent grappling hooks from lodging. By 1858, with the introduction of rifled guns and armoured ships, Fort Victoria and Fort Albert were obsolete. By 1861 the fort was being regarded as a barracks and military storehouse. During the two World Wars the fort was used for various purposes, mainly as a landing point and for storage. Fixed torpedo tubes were also fitted to Fort Victoria pier. It was used as a training base several times during its existence. In 1962 the fort lost its status as a military garrison.