Monument record TQ 97 NW 172 - No. 1 Gun Tower

Summary

One of two concrete towers, similar to Martello towers, and perhaps built to fool the enemy into thinking them as such, but built circa 1913 in the middle of Centre Bastion. Each mounted a 4.7-inch quick firing gun. In World War II, the eastern tower was used as an observation post, and the western one an Extended Defence Officer Post commanding the controlled minefield in the Medway.

Location

Grid reference TQ 9137 7533 (point)
Map sheet TQ97NW
Civil Parish SHEERNESS, SWALE, KENT
County KENT
District SWALE, KENT

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Type and Period (2)

Full Description

Martello Battery - 4.7in guns, with concrete towers and an observation post with hipped roof.

Recorder Burridge gives NGR - TQ 909756].

On Centre Bastion. Two circular Martello-like concrete towers, each for a 4.7-in. QF gun. Later additions to their roofs converting them to minefield control points. In between a rectangular Battery Observation Post (BOP) tower, apparently disguised to look like a house. Coastal battery in converted Martello tower, in very good condition (originally housed 2 x 4.7in QFs, and radar [sic]). CASLs and other connected buildings located in the area. [information from 1978 aerial photographs]. Sheerness, Isle of Sheppey.On Centre Bastion. (1)


<1> Council for British Archaeology, 2002, Defence of Britain Project (Digital archive). SKE32029.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Digital archive: Council for British Archaeology. 2002. Defence of Britain Project.

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Related Events/Activities (1)

  • Non-Intrusive Event: Defence of Britain (EKE8520)

Record last edited

Apr 2 2026 2:17PM