Redoubt No.2

Redoubt No. 2

Redoubt No 2 is immediately in front of the Barrack Block where now what is usually termed the ‘parade ground’ can be seen.

The Redoubt was substantially larger than the others and the ends of the ditches were lined up with the ends of the outer wall containing the ancillary buildings. The platform and the surrounding ditch were created by the Somerset Militia directed by Colonel Coplestone Warre Bampfylde. 

The entrance was across the ditch at the rear of the Redoubt and led to a path that passes to the north-western end of the Barracks. The platform still exists today but the north-eastern and western ditches have been filled in. In addition, a 20th century building has been added on the eastern side, but the ditch can still be seen to the south-west. 

All the Redoubts would have been provided with a ‘glacis’ (a cleared earthwork slope to ensure that an enemy would be exposed to fire from the fortification when attacking and attacking uphill). The ditches themselves would have been provided with palisades of oak staves to impede progress if enemy forces reached that far. Redoubt No 2 is unusual in having a clearly defined ‘glacis’ that can be seen today. 

In 1788 records indicate that Redoubt No. 2 was armed with seven 18 pdr smooth-bore cannon. The layout is symmetrical and most of the ditch may once have been reinforced by a stone retaining wall, a process known as ‘revetting’ The Redoubt never saw military action and like its partners was disarmed in 1815. 

Redoubt No.2 is now in the ownership and care of Evolving Places Ltd and is not part of the Rame Conservation Trust.

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