MARTELLO TOWER NO. 3 EAST CLIFF, FOLKESTONE
Tel: Folkstone Tourist Information: (01303) 258594
Martello Tower No. 3 was built between 1805 and 1808 to guard against invasion by the French under Napoleon Bonaparte. It is third in a line of 74 such towers built from Folkestone to Seaford in Sussex. The design is based on a similar tower at Mortella Point on the island of Corsica. The tower was armed with a cannon capable of firing a 24lb shot a mile out to sea. During World War II the concrete observation post was added to the roof and more bunkers are located nearby. The tower is now a Visitor Centre. The first-floor exhibition area includes bilingual (English and French) interpretation panels detailing the history of the tower. Also, a model of the Roman Villa which once stood on the East Cliff. Climb upstairs for panoramic views over the English Channel and a display charting the history of the town in wartime. The tower lies adjacent to the East Cliff and The Warren, which is internationally renowned for its geology and wildlife. Open: On Friday 13 April and from there onwards every week-end until 22 April. From 28 April until 30 September open each day from 10.30am till 5.00pm. Contact: Folkestone Tourist Information 01303 258594