3-016-856 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Destruction of the fortifications of the Ionian Islands: Fort Neuf, in the harbour of Corfu, 1864. 'The conduct of her Majesty's Government in demolishing the fortifications of Corfu before handing over the Ionian Islands to Greece has lately been made a subject of Parliamentary debate...Of Fort Neuf...only the interior works are to be destroyed...Fort Neuf, except the Bell Tower, is of Venetian architecture, and this part will be preserved. The whole fortress...was of enormous strength on every side, with a number of batteries, all closely masked, so that not a gun was visible from outside. The batteries are now entirely dismantled...On the summit of the citadel are a lighthouse and a signal-station...During the last three weeks..., hundreds of large guns and immense quantities of stores have been shipped for removal, and the English troops have begun to take their departure...There can be no doubt that the inhabitants of Corfu will sadly miss the accustomed presence of our military, who used to spend at bast £200,000 a year in that town, besides what might be got from an occasional visit of the Mediterranean fleet. But they have chosen annexation to the Greek kingdom, and their wish is to be fulfilled before the end of this month'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.