At-risk Napoleonic monument gets £360k for repairs

A Grade II*-listed fort damaged by leaks and overgrown vegetation has been granted more than £360,000 towards repairs.

The Harwich Redoubt was built as a coastal defence for Essex against the threat of Napoleonic invasion in the 19th Century.

Historic England, which added the building to its at-risk register in 2020, has provided £119,212, with the National Lottery Heritage Fund giving £246,538.

Andy Schooler, chairman of the Harwich Society which manages the site, said the funding would allow for "essential repair work" and create opportunities for people to learn about and get involved with running the monument.

The Redoubt has been suffering from the effects of leaks and damage to the inner and outer moat walls, and inside there was currently significant plant growth, said Historic England.

It was built between 1808 and 1810 as part of the Martello Tower chain of defences against a possible Napoleonic invasion, stretching from Aldeburgh in Suffolk to Seaford in east Sussex.

Harwich was one of three fortifications built - the others being at Dymchurch in Kent and Eastbourne, also in Sussex.

It was created to house up to 300 troops under siege conditions. Of the original 103 towers that made up the circular fort, 43 have survived.

In 1910 it was turned into barrack accommodation but became dilapidated, before being used during World War Two for "minor purposes", said Historic England.

It was saved from demolition in the 1960s and is now operated by the Harwich Society.

Schooler said: "Harwich has a wealth of historic buildings, and the Redoubt fort is the jewel in this crown.

"We are very proud of all our volunteers who work so hard to ensure this precious piece of Harwich's history is preserved for present and future generations."

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