The Portobello Tower

The Portobello Tower is a commemorative tower built between 1739 and 1765 for Henry Vernon, possibly designed by Richard Trubshaw of Haywood, Staffordshire. Constructed from ashlar stone with herringbone pattern tooling, the tower features hexagonal piers and consists of three stages, complete with a moulded plinth and storey bands.

The south side has a ground floor doorway with a raised and beaded architrave, and a lintel that ramps up to a keystone. Opposite the doorway on the north side is a niche with a similar surround that contains a marble plaque. The plaque is inscribed with details commemorating the tower's purpose, including information about Henry Vernon and Admiral Vernon, who took Portobello with six ships of the line on November 22, 1739.

The upper stages of the tower have semi-circular arched windows with raised surrounds, bracketed sills, imposts, and raised keys. Inside, there is a spiral staircase leading to the top of the tower. The Portobello Tower was likely built to commemorate Admiral Vernon, who is known for introducing the practice of watering down rum for sailors, a drink that became known as grog, named after his nickname "Old Grog." The tower is currently roofless and in a state of dereliction.