Canada's Tower of Strength
Penelope Johnston discovers four Martello Towers in the Great Lakes, Canada.
Most people think of the Martello tower as a European invention from the Napoleonic era, designed to beat back the 'little corporal's' invading armies. But they also exist as far afield as Canada. Four were built between 1845-51 as defences against a perceived American invasion threat to Kingston, which occupied an important and vulnerable position at the lower end of the Great Lakes and the mouth of the St Lawrence River.
Recent excavations at: the largest and most strategically important tower, Fort Frederick (just east of Kingston), have thrown up fascinating evidence of what life was really like for the few troops and their families who were Canada's first line of defence against an expanding America.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.