Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

The site of a Georgian in date Martello tower number 12, which was built in 1806 as part of the coastal defence system against an invasion from Napoleonic France. Originally sited near the south end of Stade Street, it was demolished later in the same century when the promanade was constructed.

Monument Types

• MARTELLO TOWER (MARTELLO TOWER, Post Medieval - 1806 AD to 1900 AD)

Full description

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A Martello tower (No.12) is shown on the OS 1" first Edition, at TR 16253415, but not on the OS 6" 1961. (1) No trace, site occupied by road. (2) Martello 12 together with Martello 10 (TR 13 SE 14) and Martello 11 (TR 13 SE 8) were the first of the long line of low-level towers on the shore in front of Hythe. They were demolished during the 19th century when the promanade was made. No 12 stood at the south end of Stade Street. (3) TR 163341. Martello 12 built in 1805. (4) The Martello tower was marked on the Ordnance Survey First Series map (1816) but not on the 1st epoch Ordnance Survey Map (1877), though no Martello towers at Hythe appear to have been marked on this edition. (5-6)

<1> R1 MSG 12-MAR-1962 (OS Card Reference). SKE48935.

<2> F1 CFW 18-APR-1963 (OS Card Reference). SKE42623.

<3> Martello Towers 1972 87-88 (S Sutcliffe) (OS Card Reference). SKE46559.

<4> Handbook of Kent's Defences 1540-1945 1977 38 (D Bennett) (OS Card Reference). SKE43679.

<5> Field report for monument TR 13 SE 7 - April, 1963 (Bibliographic reference). SKE5374.

<6> Ordnance Survey, 1816, Ordnance Survey First Series map 1:63360 Sheet 4 (Map). SKE54568.

Sources and further reading

Related records