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 took three years to construct at a total cost of £55,000, while it is said that French prisoners of war contributed to its construction. Prior to the fort, on this natural hilltop stood a property simply known as Hill House, which was purchased and demolished. Paranormal activity at the fort 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, sometimes headless and other times with his head under his arm.