Nab Tower

Was discussing the Nab at the Newhaven museum at the weekend. Let's see who knows its history. Any takers......

Andy G

Was it built in Shoreham ?

The tower was one of two built in Shoreham during WW1, meant to be part of an anti submarine boom defence net system across the Dover Strait, but they weren't completed in time for the end of the war. Dover Strait's loss was Spithead's gain as one of them was towed to there and became Nab Tower.

I worked there for a couple of months in about 1967 as a Supernumary Assistant Keeper.


John T.

There is a short account of Nab Tower at this URL: http://www.forelands.demon.co.uk/Nab.html

Brian

Spot on, guys. I wonder what they would have done with the towers if they'd all been positioned in the Dover Straits?

Perhaps they would have become toll-booths? Or maybe put speed cameras on them

Brian

The original plan was for 12 towers - maybe they could have run a railway line to France across the top. Although the way the Nab used to bounce up and down in a gale, possibly not such a good idea.

John T.

Ah .... I've got it - that's where the modern cruise ship designers got their inspiration! LoL

can you remember the sailors old saying david..."first the nab and then the warner, fort block house and S***house corner"

As a caulkhead I can say that nab tower is a fine sight from sandown beach but yes coming back from a cruise can be a sad or happy time when nab tower comes into view then the forts off Ryde...