0 one of the small forts (= military buildings designed to be defended against attack) that were built around the coasts of the British Isles during the wars against Napoleon in the 19th century, and at other times in certain other countries:
There existed a real threat of an invasion of the British Isles by the French forces under Napoleon, so militia groups were formed and Martello Towers were erected around the coast line.
The James Joyce Museum is housed in one of the Martello towers built to defend Ireland from Napoleon's threatened invasion.
In the center of the park you ll see a massive Martello tower, built in 1805, as part of Québec's new defenses against a potential American attack.
