Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > East Sussex > Eastbourne
Destruction of the Martello Tower, Eastbourne, Sussex, by Sir W. Armstrong's guns, at a... 1860. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Destruction of the Martello Tower, Eastbourne, Sussex, by Sir W. Armstrong's guns, at a... 1860. Creator: Unknown
Destruction of the Martello Tower, Eastbourne, Sussex, by Sir W. Armstrong's guns, at a distance of 1032 yards, 1860. The guns employed were a 40-pounder of 31 cwt. an 80-pounder of 63 cwt. and a short 100-pounder, weighing only 53 cwt...the projectiles employed were partly solid shot and partly percussion-shells. The tower was built of very strong brickwork, the thickness of the walls being 7 ft. 3 in. on the land side, and 9 ft. on the side next the sea...The 80-pounder shot was found to pass quite through the wall into the Tower, piercing 7 ft. 3 in. of brickwork; the others lodged in the wall at the depth of about 5 ft. Live shells were then fired...with so much effect that, after eight or ten rounds from each gun, the interior of the tower became exposed to view...Nothing could exceed the precision with which these shells were thrown. The broken section of the wail was itself but a small object to hit, but this was done with such unerring certainty that the very spot selected was almost invariably struck. The total number of shot and shell fired against the tower was 170, of which only a small proportion was from the 100-pounder. The 100-pounder gun used on this occasion throws shell which weigh 1001b. and contain 81b. of powder...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36351178
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Brick Brickwork Debris Destroyed Destruction Eastbourne East Sussex England Martello Tower Masonry Rubble Target Target Practice Working Man Workman Workmen
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> East Sussex
> Eastbourne
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> East Sussex
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Sussex
> Eastbourne
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Sussex
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
"This photograph captures the moment of the Destruction of the Martello Tower in Eastbourne, Sussex, in 1860. The tower, a defensive fortification built during the Napoleonic Wars, was no match for the advanced weaponry of the time. Sir William Armstrong's guns, a 40-pounder, an 80-pounder, and a short 100-pounder, were employed in the attack from a distance of 1032 yards. The projectiles used were a mix of solid shot and percussion-shells. The tower's strong brickwork, with walls measuring 7 ft. 3 in. on the land side and 9 ft. on the sea side, proved no obstacle for the powerful 80-pounder shot, which pierced through the wall and into the tower, leaving a hole 7 ft. 3 in. wide. Live shells were then fired, causing significant damage to the interior of the tower. The precision with which these shells were thrown was remarkable, with the broken wall itself being a small target, yet consistently hit. In total, 170 shots and shells were fired at the tower, with only a small number coming from the 100-pounder gun, which could throw a shell weighing 1001b and containing 81b of powder. The success of this attack was a testament to the technological advancements of the time and the power of Sir William Armstrong's innovative weaponry." This photograph, taken from the "Illustrated London News" in 1860, provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the destruction of the Martello Tower in Eastbourne, Sussex, by Sir William Armstrong's guns. The image is a reminder of the significant advancements in military technology during the 19th century and the impact it had on the defensive structures of the time.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
