Eastbourne on the south coast of Great Britain and is known as a seaside resort since ancient times. But there was a time when the city had to participate in the defense of the country.

During the wars with Napoleon (1804-1812g.g.) Along the southern and eastern coast of the United Kingdom it was built a chain of fortifications, designed to provide protection from the alleged assault of the French. It was built 103 so-called Martello Tower, 74 on the coast of England, and the rest - in Ireland and on the islands. The name of the title they received similar fortifications on the island of Corsica. These are small round towers, up to 12 meters with strong stone walls. Upstairs was a turntable, where cannons were installed. The garrison usually consisted of one officer and 15-25 soldiers. A chain of such towers in the UK - a unique phenomenon in the history of fortification, anywhere in the world Martello towers were not built within sight of each other; As a rule, this detached single strengthening.

In terms of the construction of coastal fortifications also provided for the construction of three larger fortresses or redoubts - Eastbourne, Harwich and Dimcherche. It housed barracks, arsenals and warehouses. Eastbourne Redoubt was built in 1804-1810 gg

Since Napoleon, suffered a crushing defeat in Russia, have not attacked the United Kingdom, these fortresses and fortifications have never been used for its intended purpose, but the Eastbourne Redoubt served as the headquarters of the military police during World War II and the warehouse during the Second World War. There is also Canadian troops were quartered, awaiting landing on the coast of Normandy in 1944.

In 1977, the fortress was opened a military museum - the largest military museum in the south-east coast of the UK. The museum is open to the public from April to November. It is also the territory of the fortress is a beautiful scene of historical re-enactment.