Landguard Fort lies off the southern end of Felixstowe. The first fort was built here by Henry VIII in the 1540's to guard the eastern entrance to Harwich Harbour, whilst the fort we see today dates mainly from 1718. It is the only fort in England to have repelled a full scale invasion.
On July 2nd, 1667 Captain Nathaniel Darell and his 500 men were victorious over an attempted invasion by Admiral de Ruyter's Dutch force. This historic victory is still commemorated annually in the town.
What remains of the fort is mostly walls and casement rooms within. It continued as a defensive fortress until 1956 when the Army finally left. Prior to this the fort was the subject of many changes, and massive improvements to the fortifications where made during the reign of Queen Victoria.
The fort overlooks the Orwell Valley, it is now in the care of English Heritage and The Landguard Fort Trust, much restoration work has been carried out and the fort is open to the public. It provides a fascinating insight into Nathanial Darell's times, and the fort's service history in general.
There is a full programme of events throughout the season. Worth noting is the fact that a Bird Sanctuary is housed in the Right Battery - this can be visited by prior arrangement.
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