Harwich and Environs

I went to see my friends Jan and Tony yesterday and they took me to Harwich. 

Our first stop was the Redoubt Fort.

It was built in 1808 to protect the port from Napoleonic Invasion. It was modernised over the years. After WWI it was taken out of service and the local authority used the land around the redoubt as allotments. It was taken back into service in WWII. After the Redoubt was used by the British Civil Defence organisation, who used it until they were disbanded. That was the end of the Redoubt's military service.

The Redoubt was then "used" as a dump. Since 1969 it has been restored by volunteers and is apparently the largest ancient monument in the UK being restored by volunteers. I have to say they are doing a find job and it is well worth a visit! 

There are a number of rooms around the redoubt and I like how they are not only telling the story of the Redoubt but also using them to retain local history.

We wandered into Harwich for a spot of lunch.

This is a monument to the Jewish Children who went through Harwich on the Kinder Transport.

I have so say some of the graffiti improves the buildings. You'll see these later

The old cinema.

This is the RNLI building. Peter Firmin creator of the Clangers along with Oliver Postgate hails from the area.

An art installation.

A lighthouse.

Another lighthouse!

This bell can get rung by the incoming tide apparently.

We briefly stopped at Dovercourt

Some more lighthouses. I've seen nothing like these!

Thanks to J&T!