Redoubt (EHER 53)

Built 1807-1809 to protect Harwich against the Napoleonic threat. It was built on the orders of Major Bryce, Royal Engineer in charge of the Eastern District. It was designed as a bomb-proof fortification with effective artillery power to withstand lengthy siege. The redoubt became operational in 1810 with the main role of protecting this important deep water harbour in the event of invasion or attack by Napoleon's forces. It is situated on a slight hill towards the eastern side of the Harwich peninsula, flanked by Harbour Crescent to the north and east, Main Road to the west, and Mayflower Avenue to the south. It was remodelled in 1861 to the same basic plan, however military use of the redoubt ended in 1910.The redoubt is built of brick with masonry details and exterior facings. It is circular in plan with an internal courtyard, brick vaulted chambers and is encircled by a dry moat. The ground floor has 18 rooms or casemates radiating from the open central parade ground (the Parade). These served as stores for ammunition and general supplies, a cookhouse, ablution room, latrines and accommodation for a garrison of 250 men and six officers. The upper level contains the batteries, originally for ten 24-pounder cannon, one of which dated 1865 has been excavated from moat. Some original fittings including iron railings, hoists and lanterns in the magazine walls have survived.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Built 1807-1809 to protect Harwich against the Napoleonic threat, the Harwich redoubt was originally designed as a bomb-proof fortification with effective artillery power to withstand lengthy siege. It was remodelled in 1861, but the same basic plan was retained. In plan it is 200 feet in diameter, with an inner courtyard 85 feet in diameter, and walls 5 foot thick. Access is by drawbridge over the surrounding dry moat 20ft deep. The upper level of the redoubt contains the batteries, originally for 10 24-pounder cannon, one of which, dated around 1865, has recently been recovered from the moat. <3> A survey by UEA suggests that at least two more cannon probably still lie within the moat. <8> Original drawbridge replaced by a concrete span. Some original fittings. Iron railings, hoists and lantern in magazine wall. Moat is riveted with brick. <15> Embrasures and foundations are granite. <16> Map in SMR shows the redoubt and surrounding area in 1865. <17> Site Management: = In 1920 Harwich town council purchased the land for residential development and the redoubt was allowed to fall into decay. <3> In 1968 the monument was scheduled as SAM 145. <2> Restoration of the monument was initiated in 1969 by the Harwich Society. <3> <24> Site Assessment = Similar in design and concept to examples at Eastbourne and Dymchurch. <15> Aerial photographs of the fort were taken as part of the SM monitoring programme in 2024 <26> Only three redoubts were constructed, at Eastbourne, Dymchurch, and Harwich. Whatever their merits for coastal defence, their disadvantages were considerable. The garrisons were relatively small and costly to maintain, the weight of broadside against shipping was less than a comparable battery. Although they had an all round field of fire, the all round weight of fire was inadequate. <27> History and description of the redoubt. It ceased its military use in 1910 and was acquired by the town in 1920. It was not used during WWII, and was scheduled in 1968. <28> It is now preserved by Harwich Society and open to the public. <29> <30> Additional references <31> <32> <33> <34>