Roker Battery

Probably originated in the second half of the 18th century as the battery at Holey Rock, aka Abbs Point and Roker Battery, or the northern of Sunderland's two batteries in 1779. Built of stone, with a four foot thick parapet, positioned 56 feet above sea level, North Battery commanded the roads, but in 1779 had 6 guns all unfit for service. 1780-1 a 4 gun battery was built at Roker, and there was more building workin the period 1797-1813. In 1828 it was described as elliptical in plan with 4 dismounted 18-pounderrs, and a stone magazine with a brick arch roof. The battery was re-armed from time to time, - two 4.7 inch QF Mk IV on naval mountings in revetted earth emplacements and 2 searchlights in the First World War; two Mobile Naval Base Defence Organization 6 inch guns and two searchlights in the Second World War. Finally superseded in 1951.