Sovereign Harbour South Martello Tower

Sovereign Harbour South Martello Tower is one of the two Martello towers that are located near the entrance of Sovereign Harbour, a large marina complex in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Martello towers are small defensive forts that were built in the early 19th century along the coast of England and Ireland to protect against a possible invasion by Napoleon. They have thick walls, a circular shape, and a flat roof with a cannon. Sovereign Harbour South Martello Tower is also known as Martello Tower No. 66 and it is a Grade II listed building.

Martello towers are striking landmarks dotted along the southern coast of England. Built during the 19th century, they are small defensive coastal forts that were to protect the British Empire from invasion. Each garrison typically consisted of 15 - 25 men, who would operate a canon from within. They were built to be cannon-resistant with thick walls.

The towers became obselete when rifles were introduced at the end of the 19th century, but many have survived up until today and are now preserved as historical monuments.