In the years following, works to reinforce the fort included the construction of a curtain wall outside, with a parapet all around to serve as a first line of defence. At the beginning of the 18th century, three brick houses were built on the eastern facade. Reports later in the 18th Century were that the fort was ruined. However, in 1805 it served as shelter for troops trying to prevent the landing of any vessel because of the threat of cholera. During the Portuguese Civil War (1828-1834) the fort regained its importance. Restoration work began on June 3, 1831 and was carried out in one month.