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 famous landmark located at the start of the Naze in Essex, England. It was built a long time ago to help ships find their way along the coast, which didn't have many other tall buildings or features.
Today, visitors can climb the 111 steps of its winding staircase. From the top of the 86-foot (26 m) tower, you get amazing 360-degree views of the beach and the countryside around it. The Naze Tower also has a museum inside. This museum teaches you about the tower itself, the nature and rocks of the Naze, and how the coastline is changing. There's also an art gallery spread across six floors, which often shows new art. Plus, you can grab a drink and a snack at the tea room. The tower is owned by a private group.
History of Naze Tower
The Naze Tower you see today was built between 1720 and 1721. It was constructed by Trinity House, a group that helps keep ships safe. The tower worked with another tower at Walton Hall to guide ships through a tricky area called the Goldmer Gap. Maps from the late 1500s and 1673 already showed towers at the Naze and Walton Hall. This means the current Naze Tower replaced an even older one in the same spot. It was especially helpful for ships going to the nearby port of Harwich. Both the old and new Naze Towers had lights or beacons at the top, acting like early lighthouses.
Different Uses Over Time
Over the years, the Naze Tower has been used for many different things. In the 1700s, it was a tea house where people could relax and enjoy a drink. A famous actress named Martha Reay even ran it for a while.
Later, the tower became important for defense. It was used as a lookout during the Napoleonic Wars (early 1800s) and again during World War I (1914–1918). In World War II, it became a radar station. To fit the radar dish, some of the decorative top parts of the tower were removed.
In 1984, the Naze Tower was given a special status called Grade II* listed. This means it's a very important historic building that needs to be protected. Since 1986, the tower has been owned by private individuals.
