Martello tower
|
| Martello Tower, Shenick Island, east of Skerries, County Dublin, Ireland. |
Martello towers (also referred to as martellos) are round, low towers that served as defensive forts. Their name is derived from a type of watch tower that dates back to the 1500s and was found in Cape Mortella, Corsica.
Martello towers had guns placed on their flat roofs to protect the coastline of the British Empire during the time of the French Revolutionary period, dating from the 1790s until the 1870s. These sturdy structures were built in distant parts of the British Empire, including South Africa, Canada, Australia, the United States and other locations.
Their practicality eventually faded after military tactics and equipment became more powerful and sophisticated. However, many still survive, despite their obsolescence, and the concept has been revived by the British (and other countries) several times.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.