Harwich Redoubt
Restored Napoleonic-era circular fort in Harwich with heavy guns, uniforms and local artefacts, run by volunteers of the Harwich Society.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Harwich Redoubt is a circular fort about 60 metres across, built in 1808 to defend the port against the threat of a Napoleonic invasion. It had ten guns on its battlements, and casemates that could house up to 300 troops. It formed part of the chain of coastal defences of that period.
After 1910 the fort was used as barracks. The town council bought the site in the late 1920s, and during the Second World War it served only minor purposes. Afterwards Civil Defence used it for exercises until that organisation was disbanded, and the fort was then left to decay.
The Harwich Society has restored the Redoubt as a voluntary project and is believed to have carried out the largest restoration of an ancient monument by a private group in the country. Part of the fort now houses a military museum with large guns, uniforms, local artefacts and an audio-visual display. Volunteers recovered the 12-ton Gilbert Gun from the moat, and it is displayed at one of the embrasures. The fort also hosts re-enactments and other events in summer.
Highlights
- Circular Napoleonic fort from 1808 with ten gun positions
- Military museum with large guns, uniforms and local artefacts
- The Gilbert Gun, a 9-inch rifled muzzle-loader recovered from the moat
- Audio-visual display
- Restored entirely by volunteers of the Harwich Society
Permanent exhibition
- Military museum in the Redoubt – Large guns, military uniforms, local artefacts and an audio-visual display in the casemates of the fort.
- Operated by
- The Harwich Society
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5 |
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| Children & teens | –Children in family groups are free; children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult. |
Free for members of the Harwich Society.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A stair lift serves the upper and lower levels of the fort, with a weight limit of 18 stone. The approach lane is steep and may be unsuitable for some wheelchair users; limited disabled parking is available at the top of the slope, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet is available.
Kids & families
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and children in family groups enter free.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking is limited; there is some on-street parking and public car parks within walking distance, and limited disabled parking at the top of the approach slope.
- Accessible parking
The entrance is opposite 42a Main Road, up a track off Main Road.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
A kiosk sells hot and cold drinks, ice creams and souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The museum part of the fort includes an audio-visual display. Battle re-enactments and other events take place in summer. |
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