Exhibition: In Defence of the Realm – The Friends of Jaywick Martello Tower
This special exhibition by the Friends of Jaywick Martello Tower shines a spotlight on the early history of ‘Martello Tower C’, our very own Jaywick Martello Tower!
Learn about key coastal Essex defences built during the Napoleonic Wars.
Discover the story behind the Tower’s construction—who built it, how it was made, and the lives of those connected to it.
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Related events

Jaywick Martello Tower Spring Talks: The British Storm and Flood of 1953
The storm of 31 January 1953 brought tragedy on land and sea. Join Adam Wright for this talk.
- Dates: March 13, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
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- Price: £3.00

Jaywick Martwllo Tower Spring Talks: The Rise and fall of Colchester's Good Time Girls 1855-1895
This talk by Dr Jane Pearson examines the difficulties involved in attempts to control Colchester's serious prostitution problem which followed the arrival of the garrison in Colchester in 1856.
- Dates: March 20, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
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- Price: £3.00

Jaywick Martello Tower: Army, navy and a little local history
The Royal Navy despised the British Army, but Kaiser Wilhelm was seen as a threat, causing the need for a comprehensive invasion exercise to bring the armed forces into the modern era.
- Dates: March 27, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £3.00