Martello Towers

The interesting account of Le Tellier's defence in Corsica, shows clearly what first drew the attention of our government to these forts but E.V.'s queries do not yet seem satisfactorily answered. The late Duke of Richmond, it is said, gave the plan of the first erected along the British Channel. But as to their name and origin I apprehend that (as in the case of Charles Martel, whose blows also fell so numberless and effectual on the heads of enemies, Vol. i., p. 86.) the old Frank word *martel* is much more likely to have originated the name than any *locality*, town, or tower, in either Spa…