An introduction to several types of defences used in England to protect against gunpowder artillery. It covers the history and development of these sites, including prominent examples. A summary of the academic interest in the asset type is also included which outlines the research which has been undertaken for each type of artillery defence. The vast majority of English permanent artillery defences are coastal and have direct geographical associations with the places they were designed to protect, such as river mouths, harbours, naval dockyards, and more rarely towns. Britain maintained her coastal defences until the mid-1950s, and from that date a number have passed into the care of various heritage bodies. The history of fortifications remains a popular subject, and in addition to continuing interest in architecture and armaments, more emphasis might be given to their social history and wider influences on their surroundings.