Naze Tower facts for kids
| Location | Near Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, England |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°52′08″N 1°16′46″E / 51.868966°N 1.279564°E |
| Year first constructed | 1720 |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Octagonal |
| Height | 86 ft (26 m) |
The Naze Tower is a tall, interesting building located right at the beginning of a wide-open area called the Naze. It was built a long time ago to help ships find their way along the coast. This part of the coast didn't have many landmarks, so the tower was very important.
Today, you can visit the Naze Tower! It has a spiral staircase with 111 steps that takes you to the very top. From there, you get an amazing 360-degree view of the beach and the surrounding countryside.
Inside the tower, there's a museum. It teaches you all about the tower's history. You can also learn about the nature and rocks of the Naze, and how the coastline is changing. The tower also has an art gallery spread across six floors. It shows different art exhibits throughout the year. There's even a tea room where you can relax. The Naze Tower is owned by a private group.
Contents
History of the Naze Tower
When Was the Tower Built?
The Naze Tower you see today was built in 1720. It was constructed by an organization called Trinity House. Their job was to help ships navigate safely around the coast. The tower was meant to work with another tower, the Walton Hall Tower. Together, they guided ships through a tricky passage called the Goldmer Gap.
Maps from the late 1500s and 1673 show that there was an older tower in a similar spot. This means the current Naze Tower replaced an even earlier building. Both the old and new towers had lights or beacons at the top. These acted like early lighthouses, helping ships find their way, especially those going to the nearby port of Harwich.
How the Tower Was Used Over Time
The Naze Tower has had many different jobs throughout its long history.
- 1700s: In the 18th century, it was a tea house. A famous actress named Martha Reay ran it.
- Napoleonic Wars: During the Napoleonic Wars (early 1800s), the tower was used as a lookout point. Soldiers watched for enemy ships.
- World War I: It was used as a lookout again during the Great War (1914–1918).
- World War II: In the Second World War, the tower became a radar station. Radar helps detect objects like planes or ships. To fit the radar equipment, the decorative top parts of the tower were removed.
The Tower Today
In 1984, the Naze Tower was given a special status called Grade II* listed. This means it's a very important historical building that needs to be protected. Since 1986, the tower has been privately owned. It is now a popular place for visitors to learn about history, art, and nature.
