Telegraph tower repurposed as visitor attraction

An optical telegraph tower in Alderney has been turned into a tourist attraction celebrating the island's military and maritime past.

The States of Alderney said the Telegraph Tower dated back to the Napoleonic era and was part of a "short-lived but crucial communication network" that relayed signals between Alderney and Sark.

Built in 1809, it was designed to report on the movement of French shipping around the Channel Islands.

The restored and repurposed tower will be officially opened during a ceremony on 23 July beginning at 10:45 BST.

The States said the site would have displays on early signalling technology, the history of the tower and its role in the island's defences.

Caroline Gauvain, from Visit Alderney, said: "This is a proud moment for Alderney.

"Telegraph Tower is not only a rare and historic structure - predating the Victorian forts and Breakwater - but it also tells a powerful story of communication, defence, and island resilience."

After it is opened, the tower will be open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, with free admission.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].