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Martello tower no. 28 at Rye Harbour is a circular defensive fortification constructed during the Napoleonic Wars, specifically built in the early nineteenth century as part of the English coastal defence system. The tower was one of a chain of similar structures erected along the south coast to guard against potential French invasion. Built of brick and standing to a substantial height, the tower features the characteristic design of Martello fortifications with thick walls and a gun platform at roof level, capable of mounting cannon to command the approaches to Rye Harbour. The tower remains a significant example of early nineteenth-century military architecture and represents an important chapter in England's defensive preparations during the Napoleonic period.
Martello tower no 28 at Rye Harbour is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1017353. View the official record →
Martello tower no. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1017353.
Martello tower no 28 at Rye Harbour 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 1017353.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Wooden Wreck on Camber Sands (2.9 km), Strand Gate, Winchelsea (3.8 km), Ferry Gate, Winchelsea (4 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 15 strands of Martello tower no 28 at Rye Harbour's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Martello tower no 28 at Rye Harbour stands on Wealden Group, bedrock that formed in the Barremian. The rock here is sandstone and siltstone, interbedded.