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Other Redoubts in the South East

Dymchurch Redoubt

The coastal defences built along the south coast during the Napoleonic War called for the construction of a second Redoubt along the coast at Dymchurch, Kent. Dymchurch Redoubt was built to the same specifications as Eastbourne’s although it lacks the caponier buildings placed in Eastbourne’s moat.

The Dymchurch Redoubt saw significant refortification during the 2nd World War, bunkers and pillboxes were added and the gun platform was reinforced. Machines-guns were mounted and modern artillery emplacements fitted. Dymchurch was used as a training base during the 1970’s by the British Army.

Today the Fortress is still owned by the Ministry of Defence and has become derelict and unused. There is currently no plan to restore the building to its former glory to allow the general public to view it.

Harwich Redoubt

Built slightly after the other two, Harwich Redoubt was constructed from 1807-09. The fortress was used to support Landguard Fort on the opposite shore near Felixstowe and to protect the nearby harbour from attack. The fort is smaller than its predecessors along the south coast and also has larger ammunition stores.

The fort was originally armed with 10 cannons but these were upgraded in the 1860’s and by the start of the 1870’s 3 9 inch RML guns were in place. One of these still remains at the fort today.

In the 1920’s it was abandoned with the surrounding land used for housing before being taken over in 1969 by the Harwich Society. The fort has since been restored and is now listed as an Ancient Monument. These days it is open to the general public.

© Eastbourne Borough Council. The Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum is run by Eastbourne Borough Council's Museums Service.

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