Ulster Tower, Military memorial in Thiepval, France
The Ulster Tower is a stone memorial in Thiepval that stands approximately 30 meters high and bears inscriptions honoring soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division. The structure is made of finely dressed stone and overlooks the Somme battlefield.
The memorial was dedicated on November 19, 1921, making it one of the first war monuments on the Western Front after World War I. Its construction near Thiepval represented an early effort to honor fallen soldiers.
The tower copies Helen's Tower from the Clandeboye Estate in Northern Ireland, where Ulster Division soldiers trained before coming to France. This design connects the soldiers' home to the place where they fought.
You can reach the tower on foot from the nearby Thiepval Cemetery, with clear signage marking the route. The best time to visit is during dry weather, as paths around the memorial can become slippery.
A plaque at the base of the tower lists nine Victoria Cross recipients from the Ulster Division who fought at the Somme. This honor recognizes the bravery of individual soldiers from this regiment.
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