Grain Tower

Grain Tower is a cylindrical stone structure standing at the mouth of the River Medway, accessible from shore via a causeway that emerges at low tide. The building displays the defensive design typical of mid-19th century British coastal fortifications.

Constructed in 1848, it was part of the Chatham Palmerston Forts designed to protect naval facilities from French invasion threats. During World War II, concrete gun emplacements and a barrack block were added and connected to the original tower with metal catwalks.

The Grade II listed structure represents mid-19th century British military engineering, following similar design principles to earlier Martello towers along the coastline.

Visit requires attention to tide schedules, as access to the structure changes with water levels. Plan your visit during low tide when the walkway from shore is passable.

It belongs to a rare group of water-based fortifications at the Thames estuary that remain largely unchanged from their original form today. These sites demonstrate a specialized building type developed specifically for repelling maritime attacks.

Location: Isle of Grain

Inception: 1848

Part of: Chatham Palmerston Forts

GPS coordinates: 51.45149,0.73123

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:50