The owners of Felixstowe Ferry's iconic Martello Tower 'T' has moved to assure concerned heritage lovers that despite it being on an 'at risk' register there is no cause for immediate concern.

Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club, who own the tower, are in regular contact with Historic England every two to three years and are considering opening their Martello to the public once necessary funding is secured.

A chain of eight Martello Towers were built along the shore in Felixstowe and the surrounding area between 1805 and 1812 to repel a potential invasion from Napoleonic France.

According to Historic England, of the original eight, three have been lost to damage and of the remaining five, the 'T' Tower at the golf course is the only one on the 'Heritage at Risk Register'.

David Spencer, General Manager at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club where the Martello Championship Course can be found, told Nub News: "Martello 'T' Tower is 'important for us. Considering its age and while there is some loose masonry and other cosmetic wear and tear, it is well looked-after and has stood the test of time since its construction two centuries ago.

"We are probably the only golf club in the world with a Martello Tower."

The Tower at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club is a tangible reminder of Felixstowe's history on the frontline of invasions from the continent, and, according to Mr Spencer, there are even bullet holes from Messerschmitt machine gun fire.

"During the Battle of Britain, they would take pot shots at the Martello Tower on their way back to Germany," said Mr Spencer.

Historic England said: "Martello Towers are an important part of the historic character of England's East and South coasts.

"The 'T' Tower at the golf links is on our Heritage at Risk Register and we are in contact with the owner about necessary repairs to the fabric."

Meanwhile, the historic Martello Tower 'Z' in Alderton near Felixstowe, a Grade II Listed structure, has been described as in 'poor' and in need of repair by Historic England, the government organisation tasked with preserving historic buildings in England.

Under Historic England's priority system, the Tower has received an A grade, meaning at 'Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric' with 'no solution agreed' to resolve the situation.

Martello Towers owe their name to a watchtower in Mortella Point, Corsica. The British Empire adopted a similar design in the nineteenth century to defend the British and Irish coastlines. Standing up to 40 feet (12 m) high and typically with a garrison of one officer and 15–25 men, their round structure and thick walls of solid masonry made them resistant to cannon fire, while their height made them an ideal platform for a single heavy artillery piece, mounted on the flat roof.

Felixstowe has historically been a landing ground for invasions from the continent. In 1667 Dutch troops landed near the Fludyers area and attempted to capture Landguard Fort but were repulsed in the last opposed seaborne invasion of England.