Construction of the Tung Chung Battery was completed in 1817.[1] Located a kilometre north of the Tung Chung Fort,[2] its purpose was to protect Tung Chung Bay[3] from pirates that threatened the coasts and seas of southern China. At the time, China did not have a large navy, and thus, relied on the development of forts as an alternative way to defend its coast.[4]
The coastal fortification consisted of two coastal artillery cannon emplacements that guarded the Bay, along with seven guard houses. The site of the battery was chosen because it was located on a cliff that overlooked the water. This provided excellent views of the sea and a clear vantage point in case of a potential naval attack.[4]
The construction of the battery was recorded in the Guangdong Annals, which recounted how two forts were built at the base of the "Rocky Lion Hill"[1]—the literal translation of Shek She (石師).
Rediscovery
Tung Chung Battery in 2013
After having been buried underneath thick foliage for approximately a century, the battery was rediscovered in 1980.[2] All that remained was an L-shaped wall that contained a corner platform; according to the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO), this was most likely utilized as a gun emplacement. After the discovery, the government undertook restoration work on the historic site.[1] The battery was declared a monument on 11 November 1983.[5] In November 1997, the site was included in the AMO's celebration tour of historic sites in North Lantau as part of the Year of Heritage. The festivities culminated in a traditional Cantonese opera performed at the Tung Chung Fort.[6] Due to the amount of development that has taken place, the battery now faces towards Hong Kong International Airport, instead of Chek Lap Kok island and an open Tung Chung Bay as it used to.[3]
^ abCurrie, Mike (7 December 1997). "Lantau's memories for the keeping". South China Morning Post. p. 3. Retrieved 17 March 2013. (subscription required)
