Scheduled MonumentsEnglandMartello tower (L)

Martello tower (L)

England
List entry 1005993
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Martello tower (L) is a circular defensive fortification constructed during the Napoleonic Wars, part of the extensive chain of Martello towers built along the English coast between 1808 and 1812. Located in Suffolk, this brick-built tower exemplifies the standardised design developed for coastal defence, featuring thick walls and a gun platform positioned to command approaches from the sea. The tower represents an important phase of British military architecture during the early nineteenth century, when invasion threats from Napoleonic France prompted intensive fortification of vulnerable coastlines. Like other examples in the series, it served as an artillery position crewed by a small garrison and now survives as a scheduled ancient monument.

Martello tower (L) is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1005993. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Martello tower (L)?

Martello tower (L) is a circular defensive fortification constructed during the Napoleonic Wars, part of the extensive chain of Martello towers built along the English coast between 1808 and 1812. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1005993.

Who is responsible for protecting Martello tower (L)?

Martello tower (L) is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1005993.

What other scheduled monuments are near Martello tower (L)?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Shotley Battery and subterranean air raid shelters (0.4 km), A Napoleonic coastal battery at Bath Side, 400m north west of Tower Hill (1.6 km), Harwich High Lighthouse (1.8 km).

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