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.
CIOB celebrates positive Ofsted report.
The Building Safety Regulator announces a call for evidence.
Government approach could undermine delivery and regeneration.
World's first mass timber data centre.
The overlooked environmental aspect of data centre development.
Introduction to radon awareness
New technical information sheet published by CIOB.
Updated supplier guide can help electrical contractors engage with NHP.
CIAT confirm the winners of the 2026 architectural technology awards.
Government launches a one stop shop for flood preparedness.
Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's greatest architect? Book review.
CIOB publishes free template to help assess and manage risks.
ECA's reflections on Party Conference season
Burnham wants to be confident of winning before asking for a fresh mandate.
New Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser
Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University.