18th-century artillery magazine on Willis' Plateau within Gibraltar’s northern defences.
Willis' Magazine is an 18th-century artillery magazine on Willis' Plateau in Gibraltar, part of the Fortifications of Gibraltar. It contains four large magazine chambers surrounded by a two-level lighting corridor, designed to keep naked flames away from gunpowder. The structure has been derelict for decades, though some debris clearance has occurred.
Willis' Magazine is an 18th-century large artillery magazine on Willis' Plateau in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, and forms part of the Fortifications of Gibraltar. It is described as the largest magazine of its type remaining anywhere in the world. The building has four large magazine chambers surrounded by a two-level lighting corridor. Light entered through windows along the walls, while the corridor’s design kept any naked flame from oil lamps safely away from the magazine’s gunpowder. The structure has been in a derelict state for decades, although work has taken place to clear debris. Willis' Plateau has long been a historic position for Gibraltar’s northern defences. In this area are Princess Anne's Battery, Princess Amelia's Battery and Princess Royal's Battery, and behind these lie the beginnings of the World War II Tunnels of Gibraltar. The magazine is named after Captain Willis, who made a significant contribution during the Twelfth Siege of Gibraltar in 1704–1705, leading to the magazine bearing his name. His name was also given to Willis' Road, Willis' Battery, now known as Princess Royal's Battery, as well as Willis' Cave and Willis' Guard.
