From the Episode 1 · Telemachus thread on Swerve of Shore, by Brandon Nicklaus.
What is Buck talking about when he states “Billy Pitt had them built”. Let’s dive in a bit:
When Buck Mulligan casually mentions that “Billy Pitt” had “them” built—referring to the Martello tower(s)—we’re left wondering: Who is Billy Pitt? And what exactly is this “French threat” he speaks of? At this point in Ulysses, we’re still figuring out the time and place, so Buck’s historical reference feels like just another mysterious piece of the puzzle.
A bit of research reveals that Billy Pitt refers to William Pitt, Britain’s Prime Minister from 1783-1801 and again from 1804-1806. Buck’s informal nickname adds to his irreverent, mocking personality—he speaks as if he and Pitt were old drinking buddies. But beneath the jest lies a historical truth: during Pitt’s time, Britain was deeply concerned about a French invasion under Napoleon Bonaparte, which led to the construction of roughly 100 Martello towers along the coasts of Ireland and Britain.
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