Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

Martello tower number 23 was built in 1806 to meet the threat of invasion from Napoleonic France. The slightly tapering, circular tower is about 30 feet high with walls 5.5 feet to 6 feet thick. The brick walls are covered with cement render and are in reasonably good condition. The interior is said to have a a central brick pillar with vaulted arches, a magazine on the ground floor and two rooms as quarters for the garrison above. It stands immediately behind the sea wall at Dymchurch. Listed Grade II.

Monument Types

• MAGAZINE (1806, Post Medieval - 1806 AD to 1806 AD)
• MARTELLO TOWER (Post Medieval to Modern - 1806 AD to 2050 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

TR 11253045. Martello Tower No.23 guards the Willop Sluice. It was made watertight by the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works. (4)

Martello Tower No.23, together with No.22 (TR 13 SW 10) now destroyed, where built to protect the Willop Sluice in Hythe Rod, Dymchurch. It is still in its unspoilt original condition inside and was used as a guide for the restoration of No 24 (TR 12 NW 4).
The Romney Marsh Rural District Council is about to undertake a full restoration of the exterior of No.23. (5)

Scheduled as an ancient monument - 180. (6-7)

The following text is from the original listed building designation:
TR 113 304 DYMCHURCH HYTHE ROAD (east side)
4/65 Martello Tower No.23
II
Martello Tower, 1806. Brick covered with cement render. Circular, slightly tapering tower about 30 feet high. Said to have walls 5½-6 feet thick. Project- ing cement rendered stone coping to shallow domed roof. 2 recessed glazing bar sashes, one to north and one to south with cills about 12 feet up. Small grilles below towards base. Vertical door to west with cill about 10 feet up, with proud architrave and segmental head. T-shaped recess under cill surrounded by continuation of architrave of door. No external steps at time of re-survey. Plaque over doorway. Interior: not inspected, but said to have central brick pillar with vaulted arches, magazine on ground floor and 2 rooms as quarters for garrison above. One of a series built in 1806 as gunposts against a possible Napoleonic invasion. Stands immediately behind sea wall. See also Dymchurch Road (east side), Martello Tower No. 25 and High Street (east side), Martello Tower No. 24. Listing NGR: TR1051029990 (8)

Historic England archive material (9)

<1> O.S.6" 1961. (OS Card Reference). SKE47850.

<2> F1 CFW 05-DEC-62 (OS Card Reference). SKE42434.

<3> DOE(HHR) Dist of Shepway Kent 23 April 1985 31 (OS Card Reference). SKE41059.

<4> Bennett, D., 1977, A Handbook of Kent's Defences 1540-1945, A Handbook of Kent's Defences 1540-1945 1977 36 37 (D Bennett) (Monograph). SKE7811.

<5> Martello Towers 1972 91 (S Sutcliffe) (OS Card Reference). SKE46561.

<5> Sutcliffe, S., 1972, Martello Towers, Martello Towers 1972 91 (S Sutcliffe) (Monograph). SKE7818.

<6> DOE(IAM) Rec Form 10 3 1970 (OS Card Reference). SKE41426.

<7> Wardale, C., 1962, Field report for Martello Tower No.23 TR 13 SW 11 - December, 1962 (Unpublished document). SKE5386.

<8> English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.

<9> Historic England, Archive material associated with Dymchurch Martello Towers (Archive). SKE54503.

Sources and further reading

Related records