Site of Martello Tower B, Beacon Hill, St Osyth (EHER 2136)
Please read our guidance about the use of Essex Historic Environment Record data.
Summary
Martello tower B on Beacon Hill was built between 1810-12. It became a house in 1908 and was demolished in 1967 for housing development. The tower survives as an earthwork, presenting the possibility of preserved sub-surface remains. The forward battery, of the barbette type, still partially survives up to a maximum of 1m high in places over two thirds of its original length. It was demolished in 1967.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TM 0948 1476 (214m by 191m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | ST OSYTH, TENDRING, ESSEX |
Type and Period
- MARTELLO TOWER (Napoleonic, Early 19th century to Edwardian - 1810 AD to 1908 AD)
- BANK (EARTHWORK) (Early 19th century - 1810 AD to 1812 AD)
- COASTAL BATTERY (Early 19th century - 1810 AD to 1812 AD)
- HOUSE (Edwardian to Late 20th century - 1908 AD to 1967 AD?)
- OBSERVATORY (Late 20th century - 1967 AD? to 1967 AD)
Description
Martello tower was built 1810-2 and was demolished in 1967. <1>
It had a dry moat and is now a housing development. <2>
The tower was built in a fine position on Beacon Hill and overlooking river estuaries. It was sold by the War Office and used as a private residence. Its last use was as a radio astronomical observatory by Mr F. Hyde until it was destroyed for a new housing development. <3>
Other refs: <4> <5>
NRHE data import:
Martello tower B on Beacon Hill was built between 1810-12. It became a house in 1908 and was demolished in 1967 for housing development. The tower survives as an earthwork, presenting the possibility of preserved sub-surface remains. The forward battery, of the barbette type, still partially survives up to a maximum of 1m high in places over two thirds of its original length.
Finds
Sources
- --- SEX53940 DESC TEXT: Went, D.. 1999. Martello Tower 'C', Lion Point, Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea. Appendix 1.
- --- SEX75778 Collection: Various. Various. Historic England Archive. AF00253.
- <1> SEX4 DESC TEXT: Unknown. 1960 onwards. SMR form unknown.
- <2> SEX52658 RECORD SHEET/FORM: Ordnance Survey. 1950-1990. OS cards. TM01SE16, 1977.
- <3> SEX93 Bibliographic reference: Sutcliffe, S.. 1972. Martello Towers. pp103-106.
- <4> SEX1576 Bibliographic reference: Pevsner, N. and Radcliffe, E.. 1965. The Buildings of England, Essex (second edition). p314.
- <5> SEX76217 Report: Millward, J.. 2007. An assessment of the East Coast Martello towers.
- <6> SEX35033 Map: Ordnance Survey. 1950-1969. Ordnance Survey 1:10560 (6 inch) Post War National Grid. OS 6" 1967.
Other References
- Old SMR Number: TM01-015
- NRHE identifier: 386076
- National Monuments Record: TM 01 SE 16