The Way Out by fbailey

The Way Out

Today I visited Drop Redoubt, part of the fortifications built along the Western Heights in Dover in the 1800s to repel a possible French invasion.

"A redoubt is a detached outwork of great strength from which soldiers can fire in any direction, without flanking defences. The Drop Redoubt is certainly a formidable looking structure even now, with its massive walls, bombproof casemates and the caponiers providing excellent means of defence. Surrounding the Drop Redoubt is a dry ditch system over which the caponiers would have provided fire against any enemy infiltration. Known as Lines, they served a very similar purpose to medieval moats."

I'm posting this picture as this represents one of my biggest fears - being in a small enclosed space.

Any invaders would have to have entered through the far end of this tunnel. The entrance is less than five feet high. I'm 5 ft 6" and had to bend over to get into the tunnel. Gradually the height increases to about 5 ft 6" just at the exit into the Drop Redoubt series of dry ditches. There is only room for a single file of people to enter or exit at any one time. A tall overweight soldier would have had extreme difficulty in using this route.

Not a fantastic photograph, I would have liked to have included a view of the Channel at the end of the tunnel but it was just beyond my capabilities. However, I am quite proud of this picture as I faced my fear and despite not achieving a noteworthy photograph, did gain something more meaningful to me instead.
Congratulations! This photo is very nice on the black background because the greens of the moss and ivy are much more evident, and the tunnel seems even deeper and darker.
January 2nd, 2018  
@randystreat Thanks Kathy - it was definitely deep and dark!
January 2nd, 2018  
Nice shot
January 2nd, 2018  
Very interesting photo, especially coupled with the story. Thanks for sharing.
January 2nd, 2018  
Quite mysterious looking scene.
January 2nd, 2018  
I love the pov, with a “light at the end of the tunnel” so to speak, with facing your fear. It must be so interesting to walk in the footsteps of those who would have also faced their fears in manning this structure.
January 2nd, 2018  
Good on you for facing a fear and getting this shot of the way into the redoubt.
January 2nd, 2018  
well done on facing your fear - that's awesome!
for get pushed how do you feel about "a splash of colour" - you may interpret that any way you wish :) hope it is suitable - let me know if it isn't
January 2nd, 2018  
@annied Thanks Annie, look forward to it!
January 2nd, 2018  
You did so well to go through that little space. It must have been fascinating to see.
January 2nd, 2018  
Nice pov and thank you for sharing the info :)
January 2nd, 2018  
I am always interested in a bit of history!!
January 2nd, 2018  
Fascinating history...didn't know that :) ...and well done for getting through!
January 2nd, 2018  
Nicely captured and interesting narrative
January 2nd, 2018  
Interesting..............the light at the end of the tunnel!
January 2nd, 2018  
Well done for going there. I like the light at the end.
January 2nd, 2018  
Oh well done. Wonderful information
January 2nd, 2018  
This is a lovely photograph. It looks almost like the water is heading towards it through the far end. It looks even better on black and I really like the addition of the softness of the ivy. Well done for the year. And looking forward to seeing more of your photos from 2018.
January 2nd, 2018  
Well done Felicity for facing your fear ... think I would have struggled also ... lovely story and image :) Happy New Year
January 2nd, 2018  
Well done on getting through that tunnel. Like the photo.
January 2nd, 2018  
Sue
Great piece of historical information, and well done on facing your fear
January 2nd, 2018  
I agree with the others - congratulations on facing your fear - not easy. Your image looks wonderful on black. Thank you for the history lesson as well - really enjoyed learning more about this tunnel.
January 3rd, 2018  
Interesting information. I think you've very brave, looks like a pretty small space.
January 3rd, 2018  
Always good top conquer a fear.. well done and a happy new year!
January 4th, 2018  
@yrhenwr Thanks David, a happy New Year to you too :)
January 5th, 2018  
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