Arrival at the Barracks - The barracks, nearby the lighhouse, were opened 1869 and intended to sleep 50 men, however, the Census of 1881 indicates that the barracks were occupied only by Master Gunner, Thomas Barrett together with his family, and five other ratings. The barracks were in regular use until 1901 but, during WWII, over 350 Royal Artillery men were stationed on the island. [001]

The barracks were a component of the pattern of defences known as the Palmerston Forts, until around 1900, the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel was protected by four forts with arcs of gunfire that effectively interlocked. The sites of these forts were initially at Brean Down, Lavernock Point, Steep Holm and Flat Holm with the Penarth Head Fort and Coastal Defence added from 1903.