Scheduled MonumentsEnglandWestern Kings artillery tower

Western Kings artillery tower

England
List entry 1003849
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Western Kings artillery tower is a sixteenth-century coastal defence structure located in Devon, England. The tower was constructed during the Tudor period as part of the English fortification programme designed to protect the coast against foreign naval attack, particularly from French and Spanish forces. Built in stone with a circular or polygonal plan typical of artillery fortifications of this era, the tower would have been equipped to mount cannon for coastal defence. The structure represents an important surviving example of early modern military architecture and reflects the strategic importance placed on coastal protection during the reign of Henry VIII and his successors.

Western Kings artillery tower is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003849. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Western Kings artillery tower?

Western Kings artillery tower is a sixteenth-century coastal defence structure located in Devon, England. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003849.

Who is responsible for protecting Western Kings artillery tower?

Western Kings artillery tower 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 1003849.

What other scheduled monuments are near Western Kings artillery tower?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Battery and Royal Commission fortification called Grenville Battery (3 km), Breakwater fort (3.1 km), Two batteries and part of a third at Maker Heights called Redoubt No1, Redoubt No2 and Redoubt No3 (3.1 km).

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