Freshwater Redoubt

Freshwater Redoubt is a former fort, dating from circa 1861, that was later converted into tea rooms and altered in the 20th century. Constructed as part of Palmerstonian coastal defences, its purpose was to protect the only suitable landing beach on the south coast of the Isle of Wight from potential invasion. The redoubt comprises a brick-lined ditch with a drawbridge on the north side. A two-storey residential caponier, accommodating 24 men, is situated at the north-west end and guarded both ditches and the entrance. This caponier is of brick construction with a rendered slate roof, although it had no roof at the time of survey. Bomb-proof casements were built beneath the western rampart to provide storage for ammunition and supplies. The building on the central parade ground was replaced in 1936 with a two-storey civilian house.