Tower 23 in 1991

Tower 23 in 1991

Tower 23 was built to support Tower 22 in guarding Willop Sluice and was said by Commander Hilary Mead in 1948 to have "the appearence of the garrison having marched out a few weeks earlier".1 Mead also photographed the original 24-pounder cannon lying on the firing step on the roof. The interior condition was such that Tower 23 was used as a guide when the restoration of Tower 24 was in progress.2

Tower 23 with new roof, 2004 (courtesy G. Ruddy)

Tower 23 with new roof, 2004 (courtesy G. Ruddy)


Tower 23 was itself restored externally in the early 1970's at a cost of £4,500.2 A ground-level door was knocked through the seaward wall, and by the 1990's the tower was being lived in.

Tower 23 has a new roof extension and was put up for sale for £850,000 in 2004.


References

  1. Mead, Commander Hilary, R.N. The Martello Towers of England (part 2) The Mariner's Mirror Vol.34 No.4 October 1948
  2. Coad, J.C. Dymchurch Martello Tower (1990)
  3. Sutcliffe, S. Martello Towers (1972) p.91

Tower
22 		Tower
24