Near Halifax in Halifax Region, Nova Scotia — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
Duke of York's Martello Tower
York Redoubt
Photographed By David Graff, July 1, 2011
1. Duke of York's Martello Tower Marker
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.
Erected by Government of Canada.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1798.
Location. 44° 35.838′ N, 63° 33.199′ W. Marker is near Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Halifax Region. Marker can be reached from York Redoubt Access Road, 0.2 kilometers east of Ferguson's Cove Road. The marker is on the grounds of York Redoubt beside the Martello Tower in the northeast corner of the parking lot. The Tower abuts the Outer
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. York Redoubt (within shouting distance of this marker); Sir Samuel Cunard (approx. 3.2 kilometers away); John William Ritchie (approx. 4.6 kilometers away); Ruth M. Goldbloom, O.C., O.N.S. (1923- 2012) (approx. 4.6 kilometers away); Passage to a New Beginning • Passage à un nouveau monde (approx. 4.7 kilometers away); Polish Immigration Memorial (approx. 4.7 kilometers away); Lest We Forget (approx. 4.7 kilometers away); Pier 21 / Le Quai 21 (approx. 4.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Halifax.
More about this marker. The upper left part of the marker has a diagram "Martello Tower 1880" showing the tower with signal flags, and the fortification walls extending toward the Halifax Harbour entrance. The lower left is a photograph of the "Duke of York's Tower about 1880" (see detail). The upper right shows "An artist's impression of the tower in 1837." The lower right is a diagram "Anatomy of the Tower" which shows the features of each level.
Regarding Duke of York's Martello Tower. There is no access into this structure.
Photographed By David Graff, July 1, 2011
2. Martello Tower around 1880
Detail from Photo #1
Photographed By David Graff, July 1, 2011
3. Duke of York's Martello Tower
Only the lower story of the Martello Tower remains and forms part of the Outer Gorge Wall.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2011, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This page has been viewed 786 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 16, 2011, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
