This impressive military location, moated and circular, Harwich Redoubt Fort was constructed in 1808 as a defence to the main harbour against the threatened invasion of the Napoleonic Navy.  It was constructed to take ten 24-pounder canon's of impressive firepower.  The fort also housed a regiment of soldiers with sufficient food, water and stores with see out a lengthy siege.

The Redoubt earthworks form an integral part of the forts defences.  It meant that there was only a small portion of the for visible as a target, cannon balls that were aimed to low were lost to the earthworks.  It took three years to construct, quite impressive when it was all built by hand.  It is said that French prisoners of war contributed to its construction.  The total cost for the Fort was £55,000, an massive sum for the time.

Prior to the fort, on this natural hilltop stood a property simply known as Hill House, which was purchased and demolished.  Also on the hill was a tree which was named Paines Tree, it was a landmark for mariners as such was its size and girth.  This tree was also hollowed and would be used by passers-by as shelter.  When the house was demolished the tree was also taken away to the Storekeepers Garden at the Ordnance Buildings serving as a summer house for at least 50 years.  It is believed that the tree was named after the owner of Hill House, perhaps we will find out? 

It is now cared for and restored by the Harwich Society and is said to be the largest ancient monument being restored in this country by a private group.  Within the fort houses a fine museum, displaying an array of large guns, military uniforms and artifacts.  It is well known that sometimes spirit energies will attach themselves to particular objects as they have a special affinity for them, perhaps there are some still with us in the museum.

Investigating Harwich Redoubt Fort is another exclusive first for Paranormal Tours.  We are the first to be let into the fort overnight to run a controlled professional investigation into the paranormal residents.  Recent reports and sightings include, mysterious footsteps, apparitions seen through windows and supernatural experiences in the haunted cells.  It is reported that in 1872 when the big 12 ton cannons were being hauled into the fort a hawser broke under the strain and as it whipped back it decapitated a soldier standing nearby.  His apparition is alleged to been seen in the fort, there are different reports that sometimes he is seen headless and other times with his head under his arm!  

This will be our second investigation at the fort, see here for details on our previous night.  The fort is an impressive construction, with may nooks and crannies to investigate.  It will be an experience of a lifetime, when the lights are out and we commence our return investigation of Harwich Redoubt Fort...

This event includes: Unique overnight Access to Harwich Redoubt Fort including the alleged haunted cells! Sandwich Buffet Refreshments throughout the night Psychic Workshop Demonstration and full use of Ghost Hunting Equipment Ghost Walk with Medium Study sessions, experiments and discussion of findings

© Paranormal Tours Limited 2003-2005

Terms & Conditions

Paranormal tours offers the most haunted live ghost hunts, ghosts and most haunted dead famous places in UK . Visit the scariest places for most haunted and paranormal activity