In 1868 the present impressive stone structure was built, and armed with three 10-inch 18-ton RMLs, each protected by laminated iron embrasures known as “Gibraltar Shields”, as well as smaller guns facing Rosia and Camp Bays, set in tunnels under the battery.

Stringent precautions were taken to prevent accidental detonation in the cartridge stores. These included "spark free" copper fittings, rope shoes and the obvious measure of lighting magazines through plate glass fronted passages or niches.

There were several personnel shelters at Parson`s Lodge, providing cover for all those not actually manning fire positions. They were known as "elephant shelters" from the shape the corrugated iron which formed the basis of their construction.

During the Second World War several searchlight positions were added, as well as a Bofors light AA gun. The site was abandoned by the military in about 1956 and has been used for training exercises periodically ever since.