Eastbourne Redoubt

Eastbourne Redoubt, a striking circular coastal fortification, stands proudly on the south coast of England in Eastbourne, East Sussex. This formidable structure, built in 1805, was a crucial element of the British anti-invasion strategy during the Napoleonic Wars. Today, it serves as a fascinating historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past and a chance to explore its unique architectural features.

The History of Eastbourne Redoubt

The origins of Eastbourne Redoubt can be traced back to a conference held in Rochester on 21 October 1804. The meeting, attended by Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, was convened to discuss defensive measures against Napoleon's planned invasion of the United Kingdom. The result was a pioneering scheme proposed by Captain William Henry Ford of the Royal Engineers and supported by Brigadier-General William Twiss. This ambitious plan called for the construction of a chain of circular artillery towers, known as Martello towers, along the coast. Among these, three larger 11-gun towers, or grand redoubts, were planned for strategic locations, including Eastbourne.

The contract to build the Eastbourne Redoubt was awarded to William Hobson, who began work on 16 April 1805. The structure was built using five million bricks, some transported by barge from London and others produced locally. By 1808, the redoubt was nearing completion, although final touches and payments were delayed until all work was satisfactorily finished. The redoubt was initially armed with 24-pounder guns, later replaced by more powerful 36-pounder guns to counter potential bombardments from French heavy artillery. Fortunately, by the time the redoubt was fully armed and garrisoned, the threat of invasion had significantly diminished, and the guns were only fired in anger once in 1812, missing their target.

Exploring Eastbourne Redoubt

As you step into the Eastbourne Redoubt, you are immediately struck by its impressive circular design, measuring 224 feet in diameter. The structure is predominantly constructed of brick, with some granite facing. The lower tier consists of 24 casemates, or vaulted chambers, arranged in a ring around a central parade ground. Each casemate served a specific purpose, such as the main magazine in casemate 11, the cookhouse in casemate 8, and detention cells in casemates 23 and 24.

The upper tier, known as the terreplein or gun platform, features a tall parapet with granite-faced embrasures for eleven guns. Beside each gun position is an L-shaped expense magazine, which stored ammunition and provided shelter for the gun crews during enemy bombardments. The parapet also includes a main gate, originally the only access point to the redoubt, and a wooden drop bridge, reconstructed in 2003 with assistance from the Royal Engineers.

The Defensive Features

Eastbourne Redoubt is surrounded by a dry moat, 30 feet deep and 25 feet wide, with a glacis or earth ramp sloping away to ground level. Although the moat and glacis were removed on the seaward side during the construction of a sea wall and promenade in 1890, the remaining defensive features are still impressive. The floor of the ditch is traversed by five caponiers, or covered galleries, with loopholes allowing defenders to fire at attackers. These unique caponiers were added in the mid-19th century, enhancing the redoubt's defensive capabilities.

Later Developments and Uses

Throughout the 19th century, the Eastbourne Redoubt's role evolved from a fortress to a barracks, accommodating troops for short periods while they used nearby training facilities. Despite its intended capacity of 350 men, it is believed that no more than 200 soldiers were ever stationed there at one time. The fort's armament was progressively upgraded, with 68-pounder smoothbore guns replacing the original 36-pounders in 1853, and further enhancements in the 1870s and 1880s.

During the First World War, the redoubt served as a headquarters and temporary gaol for the military police. In 1926, Eastbourne Borough Council purchased the redoubt for £150, intending to transform it into a leisure venue. Although most of the plans were not realized, a new bandstand and colonnade were constructed in 1934. During the Second World War, the redoubt was requisitioned by the army for storage, and anti-aircraft guns were mounted on the gun platforms to counter V-1 flying bombs.

A Modern Attraction

Today, Eastbourne Redoubt is a popular tourist attraction, open to the public from April to mid-November. Visitors can explore the gun platform and parade ground for free, while an admission charge grants access to the interior of the fortress, which houses the regimental museums of the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars and the Royal Sussex Regiment, as well as the Sussex Combined Services military collection.

The redoubt also hosts a variety of events, including films, lectures, tours, stargazing, and ghost nights, making it a lively and engaging destination for visitors of all ages. With its rich history, unique architecture, and diverse program of activities, Eastbourne Redoubt is a must-visit site for anyone interested in Britain's coastal defenses and military heritage.