Eastbourne Redoubt

The Eastbourne Redoubt lies in the town of the same name, in the county of East Sussex in England.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the British Empire feared a French invasion by Napoleon. So to resist this potential invasion, 74 Martello towers were built along the Kent and Sussex coastlines from Folkestone to Seaford between 1805 and 1808. According to the original plan, they were to be aided by three 11-gun towers: one at Eastbourne, one at Rye Harbor, and one at Dymchurch. The plans for the 11-gun tower at Rye Harbor were eventually abandoned, while a 3rd redoubt was later constructed at Harwich in Essex to support the Martello chain built to defend the east coast; although broadly similar, it differs in some details from the south coast redoubts.

The 11-gun towers, which came to be known as "circular forts" or "grand redoubts", were intended to act as barracks and stores depots for the rest of the Martello chain, as well as formidable fortresses in their own right. 

The Eastbourne Redoubt was built between 1805 and 1810. However, by the time the redoubt was finished, fully armed, and garrisoned, the likelihood of an invasion had become very remote. Its guns were only fired in anger once; in 1812, two shots were fired at a passing French warship but missed.

By the 1830s, Europe was experiencing a long, peaceful period, and the garrison consisted of only seven gunners and a gatekeeper, together with their families. Nevertheless, the fort's armament was progressively improved throughout the 19th century.

During WWI, the Eastbourne Redoubt was used by the military police as a headquarters and temporary prison. After the war, it was bought by the local council with the plan to turn it into a venue for leisure activities. Only part of that plan was carried out. During WWII, the fort was requisitioned by the army to use it for storage. In 1944, anti-aircraft guns were mounted on the gun platforms to counter passing V-1 flying bombs.

In 1957, the fort regained its civilian purpose and was partly used for a time as a site for a model village and an aquarium.

When I visited, the Eastbourne Redoubt housed some regimental army museums, but those have since closed. I don't know its current use. A very nice fortification, worth your visit.

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