Duke of York's Martello Tower
York Redoubt
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The Duke of York's Martello Tower was one of many small towers built for coastal defence throughout the British Empire. They were usually round, with stone walls too thick to be penetrated by cannon balls. This tower protected the seaward battery from attack by land.
The tower was built in 1798 by Prince Edward, fourth son of King George III, while he was the military commander at Halifax. It was named for Edward's brother, the Duke of York.
What happened to the upper floors? A fire in the 1890's weakened the upper floors and they were removed.
Why is the building boarded up? The concrete rifle galleries attached to the tower about 1870 are crumbling. They have been covered to preserve them.
Marker can be reached from York Redoubt Access Road 0.2 kilometers east of Ferguson's Cove Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
