Jaywick Martello Tower
Jaywick Martello Tower is a renovated Martello tower at Jaywick, just south of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. It now functions as an arts, heritage and community venue.
History
The tower, built in 1809, was one of 29 Martello towers on the east coast of England. They were constructed to defend the country against invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte and his armies. In total, 103 Martello Towers were built between 1804 and 1812, 74 were built between 1804 and 1808 along the Kent and Sussex coast from Folkestone to Seaford, and 29 along the east coast between Point Clear near St Osyth and Aldeburgh from 1808 to 1812. The south coast towers were numbered 1 – 74 and the east coast towers were lettered A – Z. Three other east coast towers are known as AA, BB and CC.
Bricks for the east coast towers were made at Grays in Essex using London Clay and transported to each site by barge. The brick walls of the east coast Martello Towers are 2 to 3 metres thick (between 8-12 feet) and about 10 metres (40 feet) high. Approximately 750,000 bricks were needed for each tower on the east coast. On the roof were three cannons, usually a 24-pounder facing out to sea and two smaller Howitzers at each side. Jaywick tower retains the original pivots for the cannon.
The name Martello is derived from a similar military sea defence tower at Mortella Point in Corsica, that the British Navy captured with difficulty after two days of fighting in 1794. The British were so impressed with the tower's strength that before they left Corsica they took its measurements, which provided the pattern for Martello Towers in Britain and elsewhere.
Arts venue
In 2005 the tower opened as a gallery space and arts venue managed by Essex County Council. The opening exhibition was a site-specific art installation by the photographer John Kippin. Artists exhibiting since have included Nathan Coley, Karen Lois Whiteread and Alex Murdin. The tower also provides a venue for a range of projects and events including community workshops, living history experiences, and live music. A look out room on the roof provides an impressive view of the local coast.
See also
External links
Coordinates: 51°46′22″N 1°05′42″E / 51.7727°N 1.0949°E