Jaywick Martello Tower

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Jaywick Martello Tower

Opening Hours:

Summer Opening (April until September)
Wednesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays – 10am – 5pm

Winter Opening (October and March)
Saturdays and Sundays – 10.30am – 3.30pm

Admission: Adults £1, Children Free, Annual Pass £3

Jaywick Martello Tower was built in 1809 and was originally one of twenty-nine Martello towers situated on the east coast of England. The towers were constructed to defend the country against the threat of invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte and his armies. In total, 103 Martello Towers were built between 1804 and 1812. Seventy-four were built between 1804 and 1808 along the south coast and twenty-nine were constructed along the east coast between Point Clear near St Osyth and Aldburgh from 1808 – 1812. The south coast towers were numbered 1 – 74, while the east coast towers were lettered A – Z.  Three additional east coast towers are known as AA, BB and CC.

In the years since the Napoleonic Wars the Tower has been a home to a Napoleonic Army pensioner, Gunner Thomas Ruff, who lived here with his family; a World War I piquet station, a club, a look-out in World War II, a refreshment room for the Tower Caravan Park and then a storehouse, before it was finally brought by Essex County Council in 2002.

After an extensive renovation programme Jaywick Martello Tower was opened in 2005 by Essex County Council as an arts and heritage centre. It has since grown to become one of the most innovative cultural attractions in Essex, hosting an extensive programme of events and exhibitions based on the themes of ‘Heritage, Environment and Community’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set against the dramatic seascape of the Tendring coast, the Tower’s distinctive shape catches the imagination of all – holidaymakers, school children, local residents and artists. Its location in Jaywick, a seaside town with its own vivid history and strong community spirit, is the backdrop for a diverse range of activities: film shows, contemporary art installations, workshops, talks, concerts and historical events.

 

Jaywick Martello Tower
The Promenade,
Belsize Avenue,
Jaywick, CO15 2LF

Website | Email

01255 822783

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