Coastal defence fort, Grade II. Late 19th century origin, remodelled 1914-18, alterations 1939-45. Originally called Fort Coulson. Link House Battery carried two 6-inch guns in WW1, recommissioned in WW2. Rare survival of WW1 coastal defence complex. Fort comprises a pair of gun emplacements (NZ 32107930), magazine and shell store (NZ 32067930), shelter block (NZ 32087929), and a Defence Electric Light director station (NZ 32067936) and blockhouse (NZ 32047940). Flat roof of gun emplacement is 1939-45 addition. The director station is a two-storey 6-sided tower with metal sheeted rangefinder housing on top. Five-sided blockhouse. (1)
Post-war the gun emplacements adapted for shelter and seating, backfilling the emplacements and building dwarf brick walls. Seating removed and railings added.
Detailed description of all the buildings in the fort complex with a diagrammatic plan. Structure groups include: gun emplacements and associated buildings; fire control buildings; magazine and shell store; blockhouses; shelter; and domestic accommodation.
The domestic accommodation associated with the battery was largely demolished when the coast road was widened between the wars. In WW2 the accommodation was built to the east of the coast road, north and south of the battery. The principle area was to the south and structures remained until at least 1951 - no trace now remains.
The aim of the battery was to prevent landings, engage motor torpedo boats and act as an examination battery. Defence was needed because of the important coal trade from Blyth and the siting of a submarine base in Blyth Harbour. Construction commenced August 1916, built by Durham Fortress Engineer RE, and completed in February 1918. Three names in circulation: Fort Coulson, Link House Battery and Blyth Battery.
In WW2 the battery was in operation by March 1940 as 'Seaton Battery', renamed 'Blyth Battery' on 15th June 1940. Guns dismantled 1949. (2)
Blyth Battery coastal defence fort, First World War. Two emplacements with buildings behind. Graffiti covered but in good condition. (3)