The armaments provided at Newhaven under King George III in 1760 served well against hostilities from France in the 1770s. These had to be supplemented in 1801 against the renewed threat of Napoleonic invasion. Following the Napoleonic wars, the Newhaven battery was put on a care and maintenance basis. The development of steam power and iron-clad battleships during the mid 19th century was perceived as a further threat demanding greatly increased fortification of the inadequate and outdated ordnance of a bygone age. This set the scene for the creation of a purpose built fortification on the ideally situated headland immediately west of the harbour mouth and overlooking it.

Work began on the construction of Newhaven Fort in 1864 under the command of Lt. Ardagh R.E. with some 250 men. The fort enjoys natural geographic protection supplemented by 50ft wide 50ft deep dry moats crossed by a drawbridge described as 'Ardagh's equilibrium bridge'. Underground passages lead to a lunette battery and to casemates protecting the moats. The fresh-water well in the fort would have provided the 300-man garrison with adequate water to maintain a lengthy siege.

Whilst Newhaven harbour was the principal British port engaged with the transportation of men and materials to France from 1914 to 1918, there are no records of enemy engagements during this period. The arrival of the aeroplane rendered obsolete all open-type fortifications of this nature which became very susceptible to aerial attack.

The fort was fortified with additional Naval ordnance and concrete-roofed emplacements during the 1939 to 1945 war. A Type 45 Radar establishment was established on the cliff face. The Royal Observer Corps maintained a lookout post here. With the arrival of the nuclear age the fort no longer provided any military value and became totally redundant.

On 21 November 1962 the fort was formally presented to Newhaven Urban District Council. Following a period of vandalism and desecration, the fort has been largely restored and revitalised under the aegis of Lewes District Council. It is now an educational establishment and tourist attraction, and has become a venue for annual veteran military events.

The rise and fall in the fortunes of the fort is well documented in the museum. A visit to the museum following a visit to the fort is recommended to fully appreciate the tremendous changes that have occurred during its history.

For further information visit the fort website:  www.newhavenfort.org.uk

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