Dymchurch Redoubt facts for kids
The Dymchurch Grand Redoubt is a strong fort located by the sea in Kent, England. It was built a long time ago, during the Napoleonic Wars, to help protect Britain. At that time, people thought France might invade England. So, this fort was part of a big plan to keep the country safe.
What is the Dymchurch Redoubt?
The Dymchurch Redoubt is shaped like a big circle. It is made mostly of brick, with some parts built from granite and sandstone. This fort is quite large, measuring up to 68 meters (about 223 feet) across. It stands 12 meters (about 39 feet) tall above its deep, dry ditch or moat. This ditch is 9 meters (about 30 feet) wide.
Around the ditch, there is a sloped earth bank called a glacis. This bank helped to protect the fort's walls from enemy cannon fire. The redoubt has two levels. The top level was open to the sky and held ten large 24-pounder guns. These guns were placed on wooden platforms that could turn, allowing them to aim in different directions.
The lower level had 24 arched rooms called casemates. These rooms were used as barracks for soldiers and for storing supplies. They opened onto a circular area in the middle of the fort. These rooms were designed to house about 350 officers and soldiers. To get into the fort, people used a wooden bridge. This bridge could be quickly taken down if there was an emergency, making it harder for enemies to get inside.
A Look Back: The Redoubt's Story
The idea for the Dymchurch Redoubt was decided in 1804. It was built between 1804 and 1812. Its main job was to support a line of 21 Martello Towers along the coast. These towers stretched from Hythe in Kent to Rye in Sussex. The redoubt also acted as a place to store supplies for these towers.
It was especially important for protecting the water gates that controlled the drainage of Romney Marsh. However, by the time the fort was finished in 1812, the danger of a French invasion was over.
During World War I, the redoubt was used to house soldiers. There were some concerns about how damp the conditions inside were. In World War II, the south coast of England was again at risk of invasion. Because of this, two large 6-inch guns were placed in new concrete rooms built over the old gun spots. A tall observation post was also built to watch the sea. Small concrete bunkers, called pillboxes, were added to the fort's top wall to help defend against infantry attacks. By 1942, it was a fully working coastal battery, ready to defend the shore.
After World War II, the observation post was used by the Coastguard to watch ships in the English Channel. Radar equipment was also installed there. The army even built a fake street of buildings inside the fort. They used this area to train soldiers in urban warfare, which is fighting in towns and cities.
Today, the Dymchurch Redoubt still belongs to the Ministry of Defence. It is a Scheduled Monument, which means it is an important historical site protected by law. It is also listed as a "Building at Risk" by English Heritage, but there is a plan to help preserve it.
Where is the Dymchurch Redoubt Located?
The Dymchurch Redoubt is found on the side of the A259 main road that faces the sea. It is located roughly halfway between the village of Dymchurch and the town of Hythe. Even though it's called Dymchurch Redoubt, it is actually closer to the community of Palmarsh.
The fort is not open to the public. However, you can walk along the sea wall to get a good view of it from the south side. Sometimes, access might be limited if there is firing practice at the Hythe Ranges nearby. When the ranges are in use, you will see bright red flags flying. At night, red lights are used instead. To keep everyone safe, a special boat is present during firing practice. This boat makes sure that no other boats enter the dangerous area, as bullets or shells could bounce off the water.
