St Andrews Castle Hamble

St Andrew's Castle was an artillery fort built by Henry VIII between 1542 and 1543 near Hamble-le-Rice, Hampshire, as part of his coastal defense program to protect England from invasion by France and the Holy Roman Empire. Located on Southampton Water, it featured a central keep surrounded by earthworks and a moat, designed to accommodate artillery for defense. The castle was constructed in response to growing tensions following Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church.

During its operation, the castle housed a small garrison and was equipped with artillery, reflecting the evolving military strategies of the time. It remained an active defensive structure until the 17th century when it fell into disrepair and was eventually decommissioned during the English Civil War in 1642.

Today, little remains of the original castle, which has been largely eroded by tidal forces and coastal erosion. The site is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument managed by Historic England, preserving its historical significance as one of Henry VIII's coastal artillery forts.