Royal Military Canal and Martello Towers Hythe, Kent

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view of hythe ca. 1830, showing military canal , 4 martello towers near shoreline. source: ireland s history of kent.


the royal military canal runs across northern edge of marsh, winchelsea. running under stade street, canal, intended repel invasion during napoleonic wars of 1804 1815, gives central hythe character. shaded trees, canal, 10 yards wide, passes marsh middle of town. canal begins @ seabrook , runs through hythe. follows original haven once hythe s harbour far light railway thence across romney marsh winchelsea. 26-mile length can walked.


also built around same time defence against possible invasion napoleon martello towers. in total 74 of these towers built between folkestone , seaford. walls 13 ft (4 m) thick, , each tower held 24 men , had huge cannon mounted on top. named after similar tower @ mortella point in corsica navy had captured french. although never needed original purpose later used combat smuggling , signalling stations , coastal defences during 2 world wars. 3 of towers survive @ hythe; 1 converted house in 1930s , can seen along west parade, , other 2 on beach , owned ministry of defence.


geologically town developed on succession of non parallel terraces, rising level ground around royal canal (previously named royal military canal) towards steep incline upon parish church of st leonard built. high street, alleys lead steeper levels of town.


this publication may show royal canal named royal military canal because previous name.







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