MP1 - Chouet

MP1 was constructed on Chouet Headland, found nearby to the quarry, which had been flooded to hinder an invasion. Each of the 5 levels was designed to serve a separate naval battery, but in the event some served army batteries. At the base of the tower there was Army Observation Post M2 mounted. The tower was constructed to 'Fortress Standard' and was a standard type of Marine Peilstand, with similar towers found at Pleinmont and elsewhere in the Channel Islands. Similar to MP3 at Pleinmont, a crew shelter was built alongside. 

On 22nd March 1991 the tower collapsed into Chouet Quarry, despite efforts from preservation groups to protect it, the tower had been undermined already and had been hovering on the edge of the quarry for some weeks. In one morning a landmark of the west coast, and an important navigational beacon was annihilated. Nothing is visible today.  

"Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away."

• Extract from 'Ozyamandias' by Percy Shelly.