Martello Tower, Simonstown

Coordinates: -34.1930, 18.4400
Updated: 20 Jul 2026

The circular tower was erected in 1796 on the orders of James Craig to improve the defence system of Simonstown. It has been claimed that this is the oldest British structure of its kind in the world, as well as the first building to be erected after the first British occupation of the Cape in 1795. It was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 1 September 1972.

Location Map

Martello Tower, Simonstown

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, July 14). Martello Tower, Simonstown. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065865

South African History Online (2011) 'Martello Tower, Simonstown', South African History Online, 14 July. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065865 (Accessed: 22 July 2026).

South African History Online, Martello Tower, Simonstown [website], https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065865, (accessed 22 July 2026).

"Martello Tower, Simonstown." South African History Online, 14 July 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065865. Accessed 22 July 2026.

South African History Online. "Martello Tower, Simonstown." South African History Online. July 14, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/nso/ref/P-0065865.