Fort Saumarez, Coastal defense tower in Saint Peter's, Guernsey
Fort Saumarez is a coastal defense tower in Saint Peter's, Guernsey featuring a Martello tower with exterior staircases leading to the second floor. The roof is topped with a 24-pounder carronade, and the structure sits on the northern tip of L'Erée headland.
Construction began in 1804 during the Napoleonic Wars under Lieutenant Governor General Sir John Doyle to protect the Channel Islands. German forces later enhanced the site during World War II with additional fortifications.
The fort is named after Sir James Saumarez, a respected Royal Navy captain from Guernsey who commanded British naval forces in the Channel Islands. The site reflects the islands' military heritage and their importance to British naval defense.
The fort sits at the northern tip of L'Erée headland with limited public access to the interior. Visitors should be prepared for uneven ground and coastal conditions when exploring the exterior and surrounding area.
German forces positioned a four-story concrete observation tower atop the original structure during World War II. This addition with gun casemates and generator tunnels remains visible today, showing two distinct military eras layered at the same location.
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