Berry Head offers spectacular views across Torbay.  So it is not surprising that it was chosen as a strategic location for the defence of this stretch of the south Devon coastline during the time of the Napoleonic Wars, in the late 18th century, and again in World War II. 

The Napoleonic defences at Berry Head, which include two forts and several gun batteries, represents some of the best-preserved remains of this period in Britain.  Contemporary plans show that three forts were originally intended, but in the event only two were constructed, No. 1, Berry Head Fort and No. 3, The Old Redoubt. 

Hardy’s Head Battery appears to have been built instead of the intended No. 2 fort.  This was initially built in 1780 but was only maintained for three years.  It was recommissioned in 1794 and its three gun placements were increased to four.  The granite gun beds can still be seen.

Entry Name: Hardy's Head Battery at SX 9440 5675

Listing Date: 18 October 1993

Grade: II

Source: Historic England

Source ID: 1208164

English Heritage Legacy ID: 383521

Gun battery. 1779-80, reactivated 1794-5. Granite with limestone rubble revetment wall to earth rampart.

Four wedge-shaped gun platforms made of large granite slabs, these tilting gently from rear to front so as to minimize the recoil of the cannon on firing. 2 platforms face north, 1 east and 1 west.

Around the north, east and west sides is a low earth parapet; stone revetment wall visible on north side. Stone rubble footings of a building, possibly a magazine, on south-east.

Shown on the 1838 Brixham tithe map with a three-sided rampart containing four splayed gun embrasures. No building at this date.

The site is now laid out for public use with seats and information board.
 

(Exeter Museums Archaeological Field Unit Reports: Pye A R: Berry Head Fort, Brixham: 1990-: 25; Brixham Tithe Map:1838-).