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Forty Eight HoursYou are in: Southern Counties > Entertainment > Forty Eight Hours > Fancy a fort?  Fancy a fort?Eastbourne's Redoubt Fortress is a solid reminder of a nervous part of British history. It was built to defend us against the French - now it offers an interesting day out. Can you spot a building?Do you know of a historic building in Surrey or Sussex that has a story to tell? we're on the look out for those that have a tale; and people that are prepared to tell it. So get in touch - 48Hrs@bbc.co.uk or 01273 320421.
Napoleon’s shadow fell over much of Europe in the early 1800s – and by 1803 England moved into his sights. The Emperor put together an invasion fleet in readiness for his attack on these shores and a nervous Parliament ordered major defences along the South Coast. The Redoubt was one of three major forts built at that time along with a string of Martello towers which also still survive at places like Seaford and Pevensey. You can see a tour of the musuem by watching our video with the curator, Fran Stovold. Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer The Redoubt never took on the French. Napoleon’s plans were scuppered at Trafalgar by Lord Nelson and developments in military technology meant that the Redoubt too soon became out of date.  Ready to enlist? It was still used as a military base during the First and Second World Wars; Canadian troops were billeted there in the run-up to D-Day. It fell into disuse post war but in the 1970s was taken over by a group of ex-servicemen who formed the Sussex Combiend Services Museum. Today the Redoubt Fortress & Military Museum is run by Eastbourne Borough Council's Museums Service. last updated: 22/08/07 SEE ALSOYou are in: Southern Counties > Entertainment > Forty Eight Hours > Fancy a fort? 
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