Dartford Talk: Towers of Strength - The Martello Towers of England with David Sleep

Towers of Strength - The Martello Towers of England with David Sleep

Doors open 9.45am. The meeting / talk will start at 10.30am and end by 12.30pm.

Many will remember the Martello Towers from their seaside holidays and David will explain how they were part of a revolution in English defense against the French.  He became fascinated by the towers as a child when his parents took him and his sisters on trips to places such as Dymchurch, and he has visited most of the towers still standing.

They were part of the fortifications built in the early 1800s to prevent an invasion by Napoleon.

Martello towers  stand up to 40 feet (12 m) high (with two floors) and typically had a garrison of one officer and 15–25 men. Their round structure and thick walls of solid masonry made them resistant to cannon fire, while their height made them an ideal platform for a single heavy artillery, mounted on the flat roof and able to fire, over a complete 360° circle. A few towers had moats or other batteries and works attached for extra defence.

The Martello towers eventually became obsolete but many have survived to the present day, often preserved as historic monuments.

The venue has a large, free car park but it is shared with other users and can be busy at times.

No booking, just turn up.

The Society is a registered charity and membership fees and donations are an important part of our income. The Talk is free to members but guests and visitors are asked to make a donation towards hall hire and speaker's fee. There will be a donations box at the venue.