The estuary formed by the rivers Stour and Orwell is the only safe harbour between the Thames and the Humber. It has been vital for Britain’s east coast defences for hundreds of years. The fort was designed to be hidden from the sea-facing side and the land-facing defences were ditches and fencing. This changed during World War II when battery observation towers were built. The Beacon Hill area has been subject to debate as to what it can be used for; nothing has come of it and the site falls into greater neglect.
