Britain's Martello towers are small, self-contained forts designed to prevent French (or other) invaders from landing troops from ships on the coast or in estuaries. A string of these towers can still be seen, mainly on the east coast, with some along the south coast. They are usually rounded structures and are faced with brick or stone. On and inside were mounted large guns capable of sinking warships and troop transports. Most were built in the Napoleonic era between 1804 and 1812.
The example above is one of two later towers dating from 1848-51. It is at Pembroke Dock, Wales, and was designed to protect the navy dockyard. These buildings had a short life, being decommissioned in 1881.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Nikon Z 5
