Eastbourne Redoubt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eastbourne Redoubt |
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| Eastbourne, United Kingdom | |
A model of the Redoubt Fortress on display at the museum
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| Type | Redoubt |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Eastbourne Borough Council |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1804 |
The Eastbourne Redoubt is a cool circular fort right on the coast in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England. It was built way back in 1805. This was during the Napoleonic Wars, when Britain was getting ready for a possible invasion. Today, the local council owns the fort. You can visit it and explore its history!
Contents
What is the Eastbourne Redoubt?
The Eastbourne Redoubt is a round building. It measures about 68 meters (224 feet) across. It's mostly made of brick, with some granite parts.
The lower part of the fort has 24 casemates. These are strong, arched rooms. They open into a central area called a parade ground. Casemate 11 was the main storage room for gunpowder. Casemate 8 became a kitchen in the 1870s. Rooms 23 and 24 were changed into a detention room and two cells later on.
The Gun Platform and Defences
Above the casemates is the upper level. This is called the terreplein, or gun platform. It has a tall wall called a parapet. This wall has openings, or embrasures, for eleven guns. Next to each gun was a small magazine. This held ammunition for the guns during a fight. It also gave shelter to the gun crews. The low roof of these magazines formed a step. Soldiers could stand on it to fire their muskets over the parapet. This would protect against an infantry (foot soldier) attack. The main gate, which was the only way in, also goes through the parapet.
The redoubt is surrounded by a dry moat or ditch. It is 9 meters (30 feet) deep from the top of the wall. It is also 7 meters (25 feet) wide. Beyond the moat, the ground slopes away. This slope is called a glacis. In 1890, a sea wall and promenade were built. This removed the moat and glacis on the side facing the sea.
Unique Features of the Moat
The bottom of the ditch has five caponiers. These are covered passages with small openings. Defenders could shoot through these openings. This allowed them to fire at any attackers in the ditch. These caponiers are special. You won't find them in other circular redoubts. They were likely added in the mid-1800s.
You get into the fort across a wooden drop bridge. This bridge is a new version of the old one. It was built in 2003. A second entrance was made in 1957. This new door goes from the ditch into one of the casemates.
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History of the Eastbourne Redoubt
Why Was the Redoubt Built?
The idea for the redoubt came up in 1804. Leaders met to plan defences against Napoleon's planned invasion of the United Kingdom. Napoleon was preparing to invade from across the English Channel. At this meeting, they decided to build a chain of circular forts. These forts would protect the coast where the French might land.
Captain William Henry Ford of the Royal Engineers came up with the plan. Brigadier-General William Twiss supported it. The original plan was for 83 smaller Martello towers. Each would have one heavy gun. There would also be three larger 11-gun towers. These larger towers were planned for Eastbourne, Rye Harbour, and Dymchurch. In the end, 74 Martello Towers were built. The Rye tower was not built.
The 11-gun towers were called "circular forts" or "grand redoubts." They were meant to be barracks for soldiers. They also stored supplies for the Martello chain. Plus, they were strong forts themselves. A third redoubt was built later at Harwich in Essex. It was similar but had some differences.
Building the Fort and the Napoleonic Wars
William Hobson won the contract to build the Eastbourne Redoubt. Five million bricks were brought by boat from London. Other bricks were made nearby. Building started on April 16, 1805.
The fort was built on a base of packed chalk. This was laid right onto the natural shingle (small stones). It was almost entirely made of brick. Over 50,000 bricks were used in just one layer! Empty spaces inside the fort were filled with shingle.
The redoubt first had 24-pounder guns. These were on moving carriages. There were spaces for 11 guns, but only 10 were put in place. Later, these were replaced with longer-range 36-pounder guns. This was because people worried French ships might have heavier weapons.
By the time the redoubt was ready, the invasion threat was low. The guns were only fired once in anger. In 1812, two shots were fired at a French warship, but they missed.
Changes in the 1800s
By the 1830s, Europe was peaceful. The fort only had seven gunners and a gatekeeper. Their families lived there too. The redoubt was mostly used as a barracks (a place for soldiers to live). Troops stayed there for a few weeks to use nearby training areas. It was designed for 350 men. However, it probably held no more than 200 at a time.
Even so, the fort's weapons were improved. In 1853, the 36-pounders were replaced with 68-pounder smoothbore guns. In 1859, a special group reviewed Britain's forts. They said the redoubts and Martello towers were "not an important element of security." Still, by 1873, the fort had more guns. It had four 8-inch rifled muzzle loaders and three 110-pounder rifled breech loaders. Two older 68-pounders were also still there. Living conditions for the soldiers also got better. A cookhouse was added in the 1870s. Toilets were built outside the main gate in the 1880s.
The World Wars and Later Years
During the First World War, the military police used the redoubt. It was their headquarters and a temporary gaol (jail). After the war, Eastbourne Borough Council bought the redoubt for £150. They wanted to make it a fun place for people.
In 1934, a new bandstand was built nearby. A covered walkway was added over part of the moat. During the Second World War, the army took over the building again. They used it for storage. The remaining old guns were sold for scrap metal. In 1944, anti-aircraft guns were placed on the gun platforms. These were used to shoot down passing V-1 flying bombs.
In 1957, a businessman named Benjamin White leased the redoubt. He built a model village on the parade ground. He also made a new entrance from the moat. This entrance had stairs from the promenade. The bandstand walkway became the Blue Grotto Aquarium. The model village was damaged and removed in the 1970s. The aquarium closed in 1996.
Visiting the Redoubt Today
The redoubt and its cafe are open to visitors. You can visit from April to mid-November. It's open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. You can walk on the gun platform and the parade ground for free.
There is a small charge to go inside the fortress. This includes visiting the museums. You can see the regimental museums of the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars and the Royal Sussex Regiment. There is also a military collection from various Sussex services.
The fortress often has special events. These include films, talks, tours, stargazing, and even ghost nights! It's a great place for families. There's a special area for children. During school holidays, they have daily events to keep kids entertained.
See also
- Listed buildings in Eastbourne
