La Roqueta, Jersey

La Roque Tower is one of 23 Conwy Towers built on the British Crown Dependency of Jersey between 1778 and 1801. The tower is of the standard Conway pattern, being rounded and tapered, and built of regularly squared and well-worked granite blocks, with some brick dressing. The upper floors are dotted with musket holes, and the first floor has a trimmed granite doorway. The parapet has four mechanical levels and a roof deck with masonry parapet. La Rocco Tower was the 23rd and final tower built to Conway's design. It was the largest and best armed of the series of coastal defense towers. La Rocco Tower It was originally named Gordon Tower, after the then Governor, Lieutenant General Andrew Gordon, but this was not popular with islanders. The military role of La Rocco Tower declined in the second half of the 19th century, and in 1923 the United States bought the site from the Crown for £100 as a shipping landmark with the obligation to keep it in good condition. During World War II, the Germans fortified the Bay of Saint-Ouen, believing it to be the most likely beach for an Allied landing. They converted La Rocco Tower and laid mines around it. Some of these were accidentally detonated in 1943, causing significant damage, especially to the southern part of the gun platform, which was severely damaged by the intrusion of seawater. It was not until April to September 1972 that the tower was restored at a cost of approximately 20,000 pounds, and it now appears as it does in the photo. #OverseasTravel #IslandHoliday #Seaview #EuropeTravel #BritishAttractions #BritishTravel #WWIIRelics #Bay #Jersey #laroccotower #jersey