page_title: Fort of Cego
section_title: The fort
hierarchical_section_title: Fort of Cego / The fort
caption_attribution_description: English: Early drawing of the plan of the Fort of Cego, Lisbon District, Portugal
context_page_description: The Fort of Cego is located in the municipality of Arruda dos Vinhos, in the Lisbon District of Portugal. It is also known as the Fort of Saint Sebastian. The fort was built in 1809-10 as part of the first of the three Lines of Torres Vedras, which were defensive lines to protect the Portuguese capital Lisbon from invasion by the French during the Peninsular War or, in the event of defeat, to safely embark a retreating British Army.
context_section_description: The Fort of Cego was designated Military Work No. 9 of the 152 works. At 353 metres above sea level, it was on the first, or most northerly, of the three Lines of Torres Vedras, exchanging crossfire with the nearby Fort of Carvalha, with the aim of protecting the Arruda Valley. The fort was designed with an irregular star shape and, among the forts constructed on the Lines, it was notable for having an elaborate drainage system in order to avoid accumulation of water in its interior. Its floor consisted of stones bonded with mortar, while the gun positions also used flagstones. Protection from enemy fire was provided by earth ramparts. It was originally named São Sebastião by the Portuguese Major Brandão de Sousa, but subsequently became known as the Fort of Cego. The fort had a garrison of 280 men, with three nine-pounder cannon.
caption: Drawing of the plan of the fort
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