The tower was built circa 1780 for Temple Simon Luttrell by
Thomas Sandby, who was a founder member and first Professor of Architecture at the
Royal Academy. Temple Luttrell was a
Member of Parliament who was allegedly involved in smuggling on the south coast (though no firm evidence of this exists). Once the goods were on the mainland, the proximity of Southampton would have made distribution expeditious. In the early 19th century the tower was sold to
Richard Lambart, 7th Earl of Cavan. His youngest daughter,
Gioia, was christened at
Fawley Church in 1916. Steps down to the beach were added in 1927 to a design by
Clough Williams-Ellis. During World War 2 the tower was taken over by the military who fitted steel shutters over the windows. After the war the tower along with the house was purchased by Valder Gates who had the wartime damage the buildings had suffered repaired. ==Modern use==