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.
Photo Charles Taylor
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 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
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
Unused
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.
Scroll down for photos of the Rye to Seaford towers
