Codger Fort

Unlike Madonna or Prince who just have a single name, Codgers Fort has no less than three names and also is known by Cadgers Fort or Rothley Fort.

It was constructed by Sir Walter Blackett on his Wallington estate with the intention most likely been to defend his lands during the Jacobite rebellion in 1745. Although it may have been a simply folly as some evidence indicates it wasn't built until 1769.

Built on top of a rocky crag it's still a prominent feature today where it silently watches over the traffic on the B6342 in Rothley near Scots Gap.

Loaned from the Woolwich arsenal, the fort had six cannons, flanked by two wing walls with sixteen musket slits, in addition to sentry towers, with unusual pyramid shaped roofs.

Codgers Fort was desinged by the architect Thomas Wright of Durham who also built his own Wright Observatory in Bishop Auckland. (Thanks to our Fabulous Friend Yvonne for pointing this out).

I have passed this fort so many times while out cycling, so finally nice to be able to see some amazing photos and video of it.

It's in a beautiful location just across the road from the spectacular Rothley Castle (walk here from the same car park), but it is on private land, so just admire it from the road. All photos taken from drone.