Jaywick Martello Tower will once again be opening its doors for a living history event like no other as the Tower will be transformed into a Napoleonic soldier’s camp and battlefield.

This free all day event will be taking place from 10am on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May 2012. Living history battles will take place at approximately 3pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.

Visitors can follow 95th rifles and other Napoleonic regiments as they prepare and guard against the possibility of a French invasion. Visit life in the camp, how they cooked and how they lived with their families living on constant alert in the fortress that defined coastal defence in the era, from the beginning of the French Wars in 1794 to the end at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

In addition, there will be the opportunity for families to meet some of the interesting characters of the Napoleonic war and there will participatory activities for children.

The showpiece of the event will be the re-enactment of an invasion from a French force, and ensuing battle between the defending British and attacking French soldiers, an insight into what really would have happened if the French had broken our coastal defences.

Councillor Jeremy Lucas Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Culture said: “This dominating and iconic structure provided coastal defence, with other Martello Towers, along the Essex Coast in the early 1800s, and this event provides a fascinating insight into the towers history and offers families the unique chance to see the past brought to life and experience life as a Napoleonic soldier.”