It was part of a chain of batteries, redoubts and entrenchments encircling the French positions in Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour.

The redoubt was built roughly halfway between Fort Ricasoli (then occupied by French forces) and Santa Maria delle Grazie Tower.

The redoubt was built around a small building and a chapel dedicated to Saint Roch, from which it got its name.

The redoubt was built by the British in order to provide cover for retreating British forces in the case of the arrival of a French relief force to break the siege of Malta.

From there, they would retreat to Żejtun, and then to Fort Rohan under the cover of San Lucian redoubt.