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Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 323, 5 December 1855, Page 8

South Coast Dkfexces.— Works of considerable importance for the defence of the southern coast are now in progress in Sussex, tlie expenses of which were set down in the Ordnance estimates at £10,000. From Romney , in Kent, to Newhaven, there are 74 martello towers, which were erected when England was threatened with invasion by the first Napoleon. I bey are about a quarter of a mile opart, about 3o feet high, and fitted for one gun on a dwarf traversing platform. Each of these is calculated to bold 12 men, and underneath are magazines and stores. Near Eastbourne is the Tangier Ledouht, mounting six 8 inch guns ; and the Circular Redoubt at Eastbourne mounts elrven 24 pounders. At Bhitchiugton and Newb'aven new fortifications are also being erected. The latter place is becoming a port of considerable importance, and at the mouth of the harbour extensive works are in course of construction. I hey are to present an angular front to the sen ; internally there will be brickwork. The batteries will be composed of earthwork 30 feet thick, rising 2 feet above the level of the eastern pier. I he dimensions of the works are 1 12' feet from each of the angles in the interior. The magazines are of brickwork, and 50 feet square. Each front of the hatteiies will mount 3 guns of heavy ohbre on swivels. At Brighton there is a bat-t'-ry of six 24 pounders, and thence to Little Hampton the coast is unproUclcd. At the hitter place new fortification); have been just complied and armed; six field-pieces wore also placed there lately for the use of ihe Sussex Artillery Allium. '