Text Box: Text Box: Introduction Welcome to The Shorncliffe Redoubt Preservation Society (SRPS). In 2005 as a member of the 95th Rifles Regiment of Foot re-enactment group, I started researching the whereabouts of a place called Shorncliffe, little did I realise at the time what I would discover. Almost about to give up, I tried one last search on the web. I type the name into ebay “Shorncliffe” and up popped a 1801 map of Shorncliffe Redoubt. I cross reference the details of the map with OS maps and then plot it against a satellite photograph of the area. There was the Shorncliffe Redoubt, camouflaged by trees, but definitely still there! What state it was in, I could not tell. I decided the only way to find out, was to ask the seller directly and I hit gold. The seller was Michael George the affable and knowledgeable author of “Coast of Conflict” (The story of the South Kent Coast)”. Michael informed me that the Redoubt was in a poor state . But it was still hanging on. To be honest I couldn’t wait to see the site. Within 24 hours I drove down the M20 to meet Michael and see for myself the condition of Shorncliffe. Perched on a hill top overlooking Sandgate, between Hythe and Folkestone lays Sir John Moore’s fort. It is covered in a blanket of Rifle Green ivy and brambles. The obligatory combination of beer cans and condoms left by the local youths are a small disfigurement, compared to the mobile telephone mast that has been placed in the heart of the fort. The Fort is about 300 feet by 300 feet square, with the entrance on the south side. Only the West and South walls remain. Moore’s office was housed within it, with a hospital below the walls towards the sea. On the shore line was a battery of twenty-four pounders. On the foreshore at the bottom of the hill is the start of the Military Canal, which runs west towards Hythe. Our Aims Phase 1: Set up a Charitable Trust and Management Company. Secure ownership of the site. Start to clear parkland and increase access on the site for visitors. Layout proposed rebuilding of WW1 trenches and Redoubt. Control access to the site to secure the protection of the heritage and the parkland. Erect educational information boards around the site. Phase 2: Redevelop WW1 trenches for educational purposes and implement temporary Visitor Centre. Rebuild existing walls, clear interior and re-instate Moat around remainder of the Redoubt. Run part time educational visits to the Trenches. Run limited Re-enactments and Living History displays. Erect multi-media information points around the site. Phase3: Complete the re-build of the existing Redoubt, WW1 and WW2 trenches. Build Visitor and Education Centre. Run full time educational visits to the site and open the whole site to the public 2009 see’s the bi-centenary of the Battle of Corunna and the death of Sir John Moore, our plan is to mark this year by securing Shorncliffe Redoubt and begin the task of regenerating the site into a world class heritage and education centre. Join me in our fight to save Sir John Moores Redoubt — Make History, Save History! Chris Shaw Chairman

Aerial Photo

West Wall

Military Cemetery

The Grave of a Rifleman

The Shorncliffe Redoubt  Preservation Society

Michael George & Chris Shaw on Time Team

Mobile Phone Tower

Original Map 1801

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