Lewis Tower, Jersey facts for kids
Lewis Tower is a special kind of old fort called a Martello tower located in St Ouen's Bay on the beautiful island of Jersey. The British army built it in 1835 to help protect the island. It was named after Colonel Griffith Lewis, who was a leader of the Royal Engineers (a group of army engineers) in Jersey from 1830 to 1836.
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Why Was Lewis Tower Built?
The spot where Lewis Tower stands has always been important for defending Jersey. Long before the tower, in 1779, local people used field guns there to help stop an invasion by French and Dutch forces. Later, in 1787, the British placed three powerful 24-pounder cannons at this very location. These cannons were very large and could fire heavy cannonballs.
Then, in 1835, the Martello tower was built. Martello towers are small, round forts designed to hold one or two cannons and a small group of soldiers. They were built all around the British Empire to guard coastlines.
What Does Lewis Tower Look Like?
Lewis Tower isn't perfectly round; it has an oval shape. Its walls are extra thick on the side facing the sea to protect it from enemy attacks. Inside, the tower has three levels, with a central pillar and a spiral staircase winding up through the middle.
The tower stands about 33 feet (10 meters) tall and is about 39 feet (12 meters) wide. It was armed with a single 24-pounder gun, which was a powerful cannon for its time. Lewis Tower is a bit smaller and had fewer guns than the nearby Kempt Tower. A few years after it was finished, the tower was covered in a special plaster called stucco to help keep it dry inside.
Lewis Tower During World War II
During World War II, when German forces occupied Jersey, they made some changes to Lewis Tower. They built a large concrete bunker right next to it. This bunker is now home to the Channel Islands Military Museum, where you can learn all about the island's military history. The Germans also added a concrete extension at the base of the tower to hold a powerful searchlight.
Lewis Tower Today
Today, Lewis Tower has a much more peaceful role! It is no longer a military fort. Instead, it has been turned into unique self-catering accommodation. This means people can rent it for holidays and stay there, cooking their own meals. This project is managed by Jersey Heritage, an organization that looks after Jersey's history and special places. It's part of a bigger plan by the States of Jersey to preserve and use old towers and forts.
