Originally 103 towers were built between 1805
and 1812 to resist a potential invasion by Napoleon.
29 were built between Aldeburgh
and St Osyth Stone between 1808 and 1812 to protect Essex and Suffolk, the rest having been built a few years earlier across the Kent
and Sussex coasts. 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. A supporting
fort, or Redoubt, was built at Harwich.The largest tower is Martello CC, at Aldeburgh, which is effectively four towers joined together.
Bought by Essex County Council as an arts venue for visual and digital arts, opening Sept '05. On the roof, is a purpose-built look-out station, to be used by the National Coastwatch Institute.
Martello D
Clacton
Unused
Martello E
Clacton
Once a water tower, now unused
Martello F
Clacton
Private, unused
Martello K
Walton
Private, unused
Martello L
Felixstowe
Private, unused
Martello M
Felixstowe
Once a water tower, now unused & private
Martello P
Felixstowe
Coastguard lookout, now unused
Martello Q
Felixstowe
Converted to a house
Martello T
Felixstowe
Private, unused
Martello U
Felixstowe
Unused
Martello W
Bawdsley
Unused
Martello Y
Bawdsley
Unused
Martello Z
Alderton
Unused
Martello AA
Hollesley
Converted to house
Martello CC
Aldeburgh
Unique quadruple tower south of the town. Owned by Landmark Trust, available for rent.
