Martello Tower

This circular tower was built in 1796 on the orders of James Craig. It was commissioned to improve the defence system of Simon’s Town. The tower has an overall diameter of 12,57m and is 7,85m high. The wall is a uniform 1,83m thick and is perpendicular. In the centre of the circular structure, there is a square pillar extending from the ground floor to the underside of the roof. This pillar, built of stone set in lime mortar, supports the first floor and the roof. It also forms the base for any gun that may have to be mounted on the roof. However, no record has been found that any guns were ever actually mounted on the tower It is believed that this is the oldest British structure of its kind in the world. It was the first building to be erected after the first British occupation of the Cape in 1795.