MARTELLO TOWERS (EAST)

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 CC, at Aldeburgh, which is effectively four towers joined together.


Photos Charles Taylor
Martello A St Osyth Museum
Martello C Jaywick 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 Unused
Martello F Clacton Private
Martello K Walton Private, unused
Martello L Felixstowe Unused
Martello M Felixstowe Unused
Martello P Felixstowe Unused
Martello Q Felixstowe Converted to 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.

Scroll down for other photos