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Round Tower
Map Location
A Historic Maritime Landmark with an Air of Mystery
Standing within Ilfracombe Harbour, the Round Tower is one of the town’s oldest surviving structures, steeped in maritime history and local legend. Thought to date back to the 14th or 15th century, this circular stone building has served multiple purposes over the centuries, including a vital lookout point, a fishing storehouse, and possibly even part of the town’s early coastal defenses.
Although small and often overlooked, the Round Tower is a fascinating piece of Ilfracombe’s past, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich seafaring heritage and its importance as a historic trading port.
A Tower with Centuries of History
Ilfracombe has long been a thriving fishing and trading port, and the Round Tower is a key reminder of this maritime legacy.
🏛 Medieval Origins The tower’s exact origins remain uncertain, but it is believed to have been constructed in the 14th or 15th century, possibly as part of Ilfracombe’s medieval port defenses or as a watchtower for local fishermen.
⚓ Fishing & Maritime Storage For centuries, Ilfracombe was one of North Devon’s busiest fishing hubs, and the Round Tower is thought to have been used as a storage facility for nets, ropes, and other essential fishing equipment.
🛡 Harbor Protection & Coastal Lookout Some historians believe that the tower may have once played a defensive role, offering a strategic vantage point to keep watch over the harbor and warn of potential threats, such as pirates or foreign invaders.
🌊 A Symbol of Ilfracombe’s Seafaring Past Throughout its history, Ilfracombe has been a key port for trade, fishing, and even naval operations, and the Round Tower has stood witness to centuries of maritime activity and change.
Exploring the Round Tower: What You Can See & Do
While the Round Tower itself is not open to the public, visitors can still appreciate its historical significance and unique architecture as part of a walk around Ilfracombe Harbour.
📍 Historic Landmark One of the town’s oldest surviving buildings, offering a glimpse into Ilfracombe’s medieval past.
📸 Great for Photography A unique stone structure set against the picturesque harbor, ideal for capturing Ilfracombe’s blend of history and coastal charm.
🚶 Harbor Walk & Nearby Attractions The Round Tower is just a short walk from Ilfracombe’s other maritime landmarks, including St. Nicholas Chapel, Verity Statue, and the Lifeboat Station.
Wildlife & Nature Around Ilfracombe Harbour
The area around the Round Tower is rich in marine and birdlife, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
🦆 Seabirds Galore Look out for seagulls, oystercatchers, and cormorants perched along the harbor walls or diving into the water.
🦭 Occasional Seal Sightings The calmer waters of Ilfracombe Harbour sometimes attract curious grey seals, which can occasionally be seen near the fishing boats.
🐟 Rock Pools & Marine Life At low tide, areas near the harbor reveal hidden rock pools teeming with small crabs, anemones, and tiny fish.
Things to Know Before Visiting
📍 Location: Ilfracombe Harbour, North Devon
🚶 Access: The exterior of the Round Tower can be viewed freely, but there is no public entry inside.
📸 Best Views: The tower is easily seen from various points around Ilfracombe Harbour, making it an ideal stop on a historic walking tour.
A Hidden Gem of Ilfracombe’s Maritime Past
Though often overshadowed by larger landmarks, the Round Tower remains a significant piece of Ilfracombe’s history, standing as a symbol of the town’s maritime and fishing heritage.
Whether you’re exploring the harbor, uncovering local history, or simply enjoying Ilfracombe’s coastal charm, the Round Tower is a unique landmark that offers a glimpse into the town’s centuries-old connection with the sea.