Jaywick Martello Tower

About

Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community and visitors. There are regular arts and heritage exhibitions, talks and events. Inspirational views and setting close to the beach.

As a unique heritage centre on the coast for visitors and the community, Jaywick Martello Tower is one of twenty-nine defences built on the east coast of England to defend the country from attacks from Napoleon Bonaparte and his armies.

Visitors can explore the history of the tower through an exhibition hosted on the ground floor, as well as getting up close to a replica cannon, and enjoying wonderful views across the sea from the roof.

The first floor is an arts and heritage space which frequently hosts exhibitions often inspired by the local, coastal environment and history.

The Tower is open to the public many days of the year for visitors (particularly during the summer months) and has a year-round programme of talks, workshops and events.

The Tower was a former finalist for the Essex Tourism and Hospitality Awards in the category of Best Small Attraction and holds a certificate of excellent on Trip Advisor.

Permanent Exhibition

In the early 1800s Britain was fearful of attack from France and the Martello Towers were built as defences from invasion. An exhibition telling the story of Jaywick Martello Towers' history is situated on the ground floor.

The Martello Tower Trail

The Martello Tower Trail takes you along the coast from Point Clear to Walton-on-the-Naze

The trail includes family friendly activities such as Semaphore and Rubbing Plates

Sheets can be picked up from Essex libraries, Tourist Information Centres, and Jaywick Martello Tower or downloaded.
 

Public Artwork

Poet Julia Bird worked with Tower staff, Jaywick residents and visitors to create a poem which can be viewed on the windows of the roof room of the Tower. In addition, you can find interpretive text around the base of the tower, created with the community of Jaywick.

Access: Jaywick Martello Tower has a wheelchair lift to the first floor, unfortunately not the roof due to the nature of the building.