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.
