MARTELLO TOWERS (SOUTH)

Originally 103 towers were built between 1805 and 1812 to resist a potential invasion by Napoleon. They were built of brick, 13 foot thick on the seaward side, stood about 30 foot high and were equipped with a cannon on the roof. 74 were built along the Kent and Sussex coastlines from Folkstone to Seaford between 1805 and 1808, the other 29 to protect Essex and Suffolk.

45 of the towers still remain, but many are in ruins or have been converted, so only 9 remain in their original condition. Two supporting forts were built on the south coast at Dymchurch and Eastbourne.

The tower at Dymchurch (No. 24) has been fully restored and is now a museum.


Photo Ian Giles Photos

Martello No. 1 Folkestone Being converted to a house (2003)
Martello No. 2 Folkestone Converted to a house, best seen from the top of No3. Now a holiday letting.
Martello No. 3 Folkestone Now used as a Visitor Centre
Martello No. 4 Folkestone Overgrown, Private
Martello No. 5 Sandgate Private
Martello No. 6 Sandgate Unused, overgrown
Martello No. 7 Sandgate Private
Martello Sandgate Inside Sandgate Castle
Martello No. 8 Sandgate Converted to a house
Martello No. 9 Hythe Unused, overgrown
Martello No. 13 Hythe Converted to a house
Martello No. 14 Hythe Private, being restored
Martello No. 15 Hythe Private
Martello No. 19 Hythe Private
Martello No. 23 Dymchurch Converted to a house
Martello No. 24 Dymchurch Open April - October, English Heritage
Martello No. 25 Dymchurch Unused
Military Canal Hythe to Rye Canal 30 foot wide and 28 miles in length along the boundary of Romney Marsh. Still in good condition.
Martello No. 28 Rye Unused and rather overgrown, near the harbour.
Martello No. 30 Rye Unused, overgrown in a back garden. Private.
Martello No. 55 Pevensey Under restoration 2008
Martello No. 60 Pevensey Converted to a house
Martello No. 61 Pevensey Unused
Martello No. 62 Pevensey Converted to a house
Martello No. 64 Pevensey Unused
Martello No. 66 Eastbourne Unused
Martello No. 73 Eastbourne Open to public
Martello No. 74 Seaford Open to public


Scroll down for photos of the Folkestone to Dymchurch towers (1 to 23).



Photos of the Dymchurch to Pevensey towers (24 to 61)



Photos of the Pevensey to Eastbourne towers (62 to 74)