About Martello Tower CC
This mighty Napoleonic defence stands at the foot of the Orford Ness peninsula, between the River Alde and the sea. It is the sole surviving building of the lost village of Slaughden.
It is not possible to visit the interior of the property – unless you choose to stay in it. The Landmark Trust may on occasion, have rare open days at some of its properties.
Martello Tower CC’s impressive exterior can however be clearly viewed the seawall footpaths, from most sides and at quite close quarters. Please always respect the privacy of its residents.
Aldeburgh Martello Tower CC – Key facts
- Largest Martello Tower ever built in the UK
- The most northerly Martello Tower in England
- Last Martello Tower to be constructed in the UK
- Quatrefoil in design (planned for 4 guns) with significant ‘moat-like’ earthworks – in effect, 4 towers in 1!
- Built between 1808 and 1812 out of over a million bricks
- Only surviving building from the village of Slaughden
- Sold to private owners in 1931 adn 1936 – an architect constructed a flat on top of it for a spinster!
- Some of the seaward side of the moat wall has been lost to the sea
- In 2015 the tower was briefly topped with an installation by Anthony Gormley
Interested in finding out more about Aldeburgh’s Martello Tower CC?
The Landmark Trust charity which acquired the tower in 1971 and undertook its restoration has compiled a very comprehensive guide to Martello Tower CC . It includes the background to Martello Towers as well as insights into the construction, history and stories behind Aldeburgh’s quatrefoil masterpiece.
The 64 page ‘History Album’ includes maps and postcards and shares some fascinating insights.
Why not have a read?
