Neglected, abandoned, controversial in its day and uncared for now, outside Rye the half a million bricks of Tower Nr. 28 stand guard against an enemy who never came. That the enemy stayed away was because this was then the 'last word' in deterrence. For in about 1810 when it was erected, a Martello Tower was a defense so powerful that no enemy ever sailed within range of its roof mounted artillery. Such was the power of the Martello.
Today, only the town yoof and the occasional antiquarian ventures inside to disturb the resident doves and pigeons. Thoughtfully though, should you be inclined so to follow them, someone has left a makeshift ladder below the single entrance, just for the benefit of those who might come after. Inside the floors are long gone, but the massive brick central column remains, and the roof above stands solid against the weather.
I think this piece of Britain's Napoleonic defences needs a little sympathetic restoration.
Antiquarian ventures be warned, for to enter the fabled tower 28 one must first pass the 3 tests of destiney.
ReplyDeleteFirstly you must believe, for only those who have the faith saints will trust their life to the load bearing abilities of a rotten old ladder precariosly balanced on a 3 legged chair.
Secondly you must face the trial of eternal stench for only those with the most heroic of nostrils will be able to pass the threshold, stand ankle deep in the guano and glimpse the interior of the tower.
Finnaly once the stench overwhelms one must pass the hardest of challenges, the decent of certain death, more men have suffered agonising loss of diginity at this stage than any of the others for to pass this challange one must employ the dexterity of a ninja and the sure footedness of a mountain goat. Even if you posses these skills be not rash as the excellent lubrication provided by copious amounts of guano and the heady intoxication induced by the smell will also take there evil toll.
Do not lightly challange the tower for unless you faith is strong (or body light), your nose blocked and your dexterity high you may find yourself becoming fertiliser for the man eating death ivy.
Beware