Although it is difficult to imagine today due to modern infilling of the town, this area was originally a headland. In the past this was where the local people defended the town from maritime attacks. The largest bastion of the town’s defences was later built here.

Some sort of defences may have already been built in this area before the town walls were erected. When warned that enemy ships were approaching, the people came here to defend the town. When the town walls were built a bastion was erected here that was adapted to the natural geography of the coastal headland.

The bastion was exposed to storms, such as the one in 1711 which nearly destroyed it. As this part of the wall was right on the seafront it was often damaged and had to be repaired. Initially it was garrisoned by a small number of sentries, however over time other military buildings were added, including huts, stores and guardrooms which were located behind the operations area. The defences here were knocked down in 1896 to make way for the infilling to enable the avenue to be built.