Constructed in 1776 on the north face of the Rock, this battery stood at an impressive 900 feet above sea level, making it the highest defensive position in the fortress at the time. Owing to its elevated position, it was initially named Superior Battery. However, when Levant Battery was constructed three years later, the name was deemed less fitting, and the site was renamed Green’s Lodge — or more formally, Green’s Lodgement — in honour of General Sir William Green, 1st Baronet Green of Marass, Kent (1725–1811).

Green first arrived in Gibraltar as a Senior Engineer in 1761 and was promoted to Chief Engineer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1770. Two years later, in 1772, his innovative proposal to establish a regiment of military artificers — replacing the civilian mechanics who had traditionally undertaken military construction — came to fruition with the formation of the Soldier Artificer Company. Among their notable works was King’s Bastion, a fortification designed by Green himself. The company would go on to become the predecessor of the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners.

Green was promoted to Colonel in 1777 and later rose to the rank of Major General before leaving Gibraltar. Throughout the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779–1783), he served as Chief Engineer, playing a pivotal role in designing, constructing, and repairing fortifications that were critical to the fortress’s defence.

Major-General Sir William Green (1725–1811).

According to Lieutenant Holloway’s journal, work on blasting the rock to create gun platforms on this location began on the 20^th August 1779, and by the 16^th September the new battery was armed with five 24-pounder guns. The 1781 Armament List records the battery’s armament as two 24-pounders, one unmounted 12-pounder, and one 8-inch mortar. Additionally, it notes one 24-pounder stationed at North Lodgement and five 24-pounders with five 8-inch howitzers deployed on the so-called Terras Platforms.

A 1781 map included in Drinkwater’s account shows six terraced batteries positioned below Green’s Lodge but still well above Farrington Battery. In September 1781, Drinkwater notes that caissons (protective timber structures) were constructed around the terrace batteries. In August 1782, Green’s Lodge itself was ordered to be caissoned with ship’s timbers, and this work was completed on the 27^th September 1782.

By 1859, the battery was equipped with two 32-pounder guns, although these had been removed by 1874. A document in the Royal Artillery Institution Library records the height of the Terras Platforms as 730 feet, considerably lower than Green’s Lodge itself.

In the early twentieth century, an observation post and a covered hall leading to it were built. During the Second World War a second observation post was constructed.

Gibraltar gun batteries, 1859.

Green's Lodge Battery.

Green’s Lodge LAA Site

During the Second World War, a 40 mm Bofors Mark III anti-aircraft gun was installed on a static mount at Green’s Lodge on the 29^th July 1942, having been transferred from Butts Battery. The site was only manned on specific orders, and on the 7^th August 1942 it was placed on standby until further notice.

By January 1944, the site mounted a single static 40 mm Bofors gun and was designated a reserve position. The equipment was removed at the end of the war, and there are no post-war records of further military use of the site.

Green's Lodge Battery location.