### Clue: Fortify even parts of Reims before a town in the south (8)
### Answer: EMBATTLE 
 ### Explanation: Definition: Fortify
 **The 2nd and 4th letters**(even parts of) "Reims" **plus**(before) BATTLE(a town in the south of England, in East Sussex to be more specific).
Defn: … a place or building against attack.