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Towers

15 loophole towers were built around the island between 1778 and 1779 to protect some of the islands most vulnerable beaches from potential invasion.

The towers are all of a standard design. They are 30 feet (9m) high and 20 feet (6m) in diameter.

There are musket loopholes on two floors. When first built this was the only way of defending the tower. After 1803, General Doyle recommended the use of 12 pounder carronades mounted on the top of the towers.

Digital versions of the site interpretation boards for several of the towers are available as downloads in PDF format at the bottom of this page.

L'Ancresse Tower No.4

Loophole tower built to defend L'Ancresse Bay.

Address: L'Ancresse Common, Vale.
Accessible via footpath from Le Catelain or L'Ancresse Bay car parks.
Perry's Guide: 7F1
Parking: Public car park at Le Catelain and L'Ancresse Bay.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

L'Ancresse Tower No.7

Napoleonic tower built to defend L'Ancresse Bay.

Address: L'Ancresse Common, Vale.
Accessible via footpaths from L'Ancresse bay car park.
Perry's Guide: 6D2
Parking: Public car park at L'Ancresse Bay.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

Tower 10, Chouet

Standing opposite Rousse tower at the entrance to Grand Havre this tower also helped guard the western approaches to the Braye du Valle which once separated the Clos du Valle from the rest of Guernsey. View site information sign...

Address: Chouet headland, Vale.
Perry's Guide: 6A2
Parking: Public car park at Chouet.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

Tower 11, Rousse (currently closed until further notice)

At Rousse the tower and battery are uniquely combined in a single fortification. It stood guard over the western approaches to the Braye du Valle which once separated the Clos du Valle from the rest of Guernsey. View site information sign...

Address: Rousse, Vale.
Perry's Guide: 33F2
Parking: Public car park at Rousse.
Bus Routes: 11, 91

Tower 12, Vazon Bay

Napoleonic tower built to defend Vazon Bay. This tower has its own magazine and battery located nearby. The battery would have mounted four 20 pounder cannon in 1816. View site information sign...

Address: Vazon Road, Castel.
Perry's Guide: 14B2
Parking: Public car park at Vazon, adjacent to the tower.
Bus Routes: 42, 91, 111