The first fortification built during the reign of Henry VIII site was abandoned within ten years. The site accommodated Harwich army and militia camp during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars era, and was a naval signal station. In the 19th century, prior to the building of the Breakwater, sea erosion swept away much of the site and the Harwich Redoubt was completed 200 yards to the north in 1810. After World War I, the fort was disarmed and sold but, in 1940, it was bought back into service and a twin 6 Pounder gun position and director tower were built. The Beacon Hill site also from time to time housed anti-aircraft guns and torpedo tubes.The fort was finally decommissioned in 1956 on the dissolution of coast artillery in the United Kingdom.
