The Detached Redoubt was built in 1693 as a lookout post for Freshwater Cove. From Fort Royal, Freshwater Cove was not visible and the French feared an attack by the English from this point. It is sometimes also called 'Horseshoe Redoubt' because of its horseshoe shape. The dimensions of the redoubt are approximately 140 feet in length and 49 feet in width and the walls are approximately three feet high and four and one-half feet in width. There were never any cannons on the redoubt and only a small number of men stationed there at any time. In 1692 before the Detached Redoubt was built, Commodore Williams, leading a group of 600-700 English soldiers, decided to try and land in Freshwater Cove. Baron de Lafontaine, with 60 Basque fishermen, hid in the forest in Freshwater Cove, hoping to deceive the English. Their plan was successful and when just before landing the English saw several Basque fishermen hiding in the forest, they assumed that there were a great number of French lying in wait to ambush them, and Commodore Williams aborted the attack. In the ensuing fight, the French ran short of ammunition and resorted to using the enemy's. As the English cannon balls fell around the shore, French soldiers dashed out, picked up the balls and brought them back into the fort, whereupon they were fired back against the English ships.