Fort Widley formed part of "Palmerston's Folly" - a defence along Portsdown Hill. The fort was started in construction in 1861 as a defence from sea and land attack.

There are numerous reported sightings of ghosts over it's history.

The enormous structure is surrounded by a dry moat with mortar batteries in case anyone tried to enter the moat. These are accessed from tunnels deep underneath the parade ground.

There was enough accommodation for 250 men and there were 12 married quarters as well.

The six-sided building was completed in 1870.

Fort Widley was one of six forts but by the time they were finished the threat of a French invasion was gone.

The forts on the crest of the hill overlooking the city and harbour also face inland and so, it is thought, they look the wrong way.

It was disarmed in 1907 but remained in military hands being used as a barracks for the Royal Artillery until 1939.

During World War II Fort Widley was used for planning rooms and as the Royal Engineers' Bomb Disposal Unit.

In 1942 it was used to house prisoners of war and from 1943 it was an alternative control centre for Southwick House (HMS Dryad).

Then on 19 February 1952, the Civil Defence Committee of Portsmouth Borough Council proposed the construction was needed for the borough to be used in the event of a nuclear attack; it was decided this should be established at Fort Widley.

It continued to perform this function until the end of the Cold War and the Portsmouth District Council Emergency Centre, as it was by then known, finally closed in 1992.

It was in 1983 that the Portsmouth Youth Activities Committee, a charity led by its Chairman, the late Peter Ashley, took Fort Purbrook on a 21 year lease from Portsmouth City Council and embarked on an extensive renovation programme to transform it into a dynamic activity centre for young people. Their work later extended to nearby Fort Widley in 1990 and the two Forts together were re-named The Peter Ashley Activity Centres in 1993.

Reported paranormal activity.

In the underground chambers under the wrap of gentle torch light folk have encountered most of the paranormal activity the Fort is reported to hold.

Paranormal energies include a male reported to be a sergeant-major who enjoys whistling while haunting the fort. He is reported to have an assertive and authoritative nature.

There have been reports written detailing ghostly footsteps and strange bangs, knocks and taps are often heard. These are believed to be made by a former prisoner, or possibly a prison guard.

Several reports from various people tell of the spirit of a little boy haunting the tunnels that run deep beneath the fort.
It is reported that he was a drummer and was being pursued along the parade ground by a superior officer, having been naughty. The officer pursed him down the main spiral staircase from the top to which the boy slipped and fell to his death.
Rapid footsteps have been heard running along the tunnels and, apparently, he often plays games. He is reported to be the spirit that loves balling with the flashing cat balls.

Some people have reported sensing a very dominant male spirit who gives of a sense of foreboding as he approaches mortals. He has been sighted walking with a lantern and peering over people as a tall dark shadow.

A female presence said to be the wife of one of the married couples that resided at the fort has been sensed on many occasions. Was she is loyal wedded woman or one of the prostitutes that came up to the fort to cater for the male soldiers and workers. Whoever she is she is alleged to be the lady in the red dress.
Was she murdered or a victim of ill health? Suggestion is that she looks after the children spirits found within the tunnels.