Lewis Tower, Jersey facts for kids

Lewis Tower, Jersey

Lewis Tower (sometimes called Lewis's Tower) is a special type of small fort called a Martello tower. You can find it in St Ouen's Bay on the beautiful island of Jersey. The British army built this tower in 1835. It was named after Colonel Griffith Lewis, who was a leader of the Royal Engineers in Jersey at that time.

A Look Back: Lewis Tower's Story

This spot where Lewis Tower stands has always been important for defense.

Early Defenses

• Back in 1779, a local leader named le Sire du Parcq used this exact location.
• He brought parish cannons here to help stop an attack on Jersey by French and Dutch forces.
• Later, in 1787, the British set up a group of three powerful cannons here. These were called 24-pounder guns.
• Finally, in 1835, the Martello tower we see today was built on this very spot.

What Lewis Tower Looks Like

Lewis Tower has a unique oval shape. Its walls are thicker on the side facing the sea to protect it better.

• The tower has three levels inside.
• There's a central pillar and a spiral staircase that connects the floors.
• It stands about 33 feet (10 meters) tall.
• It is about 39 feet (12 meters) wide.
• The tower was armed with a single 24-pounder gun.
• It is smaller and had fewer weapons than the nearby Kempt Tower.
• Just four years after it was finished, the tower got a coat of stucco or cement. This was to help keep it dry inside.

During World War II

During the German occupation of the Channel Islands in World War II, the Germans used the area around Lewis Tower.

• They built a large concrete bunker right next to the tower.
• Today, this bunker is home to the Channel Islands Military Museum.
• The Germans also added a concrete part to the base of the tower. This section held a powerful searchlight.

Lewis Tower Today

Today, Lewis Tower is no longer a military fort.

• It is now available for people to stay in as self-catering accommodation.
• This is part of a special project by Jersey Heritage.
• The project lets people experience staying in historic towers and forts owned by the States of Jersey.