During the Hundred Years' War a French attack (1340) burned a manor house and took some prisoners, but failed to get into the town. In 1403 the town was burned by Breton raiders. In the late fifteenth century a 'castle quadrate' was constructed close to the area now known as The Barbican; it included four round towers, one at each corner, as featured on the city coat of arms. The castle served to protect Sutton Pool, which is where the fleet was based in Plymouth prior to the establishment of Plymouth Dockyard. In 1512 an Act of Parliament was passed for further fortifying Plymouth, and a series of fortifications were then built, including defensive walls at the entrance to Sutton Pool (across which a chain would be extended in time of danger). Defences on St Nicholas Island also date from this time, and a string of six artillery blockhouses were built, including one on Fishers Nose at the south-eastern corner of the Hoe. This location was further strengthened by the building of a fort (later known as Drake's Fort) in 1596, which itself went on to provide the site for the Citadel, established in the 1660s (see below). COUNT 5
QSN1 In what year during the Hundred Years' War did the French assault Plymouth? ANS1 1340 QSN2 Who set fire to Plymouth in 1403? ANS2 Breton raiders QSN3 In what year was the fortification later known as Drake's Fort constructed? ANS3 1596 QSN4 Before Plymouth dockyard was built, where was the fleet located? ANS4 Sutton Pool QSN5 In what year did Parliament pass a notable law that led to the building of fortifications in Plymouth? ANS5 1512