008.2 - Billy Pitt & The French Threat

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What is Buck talking about when he states "Billy Pitt had them built". Let's dive in a bit:

Who Is Billy Pitt?

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 At this point in Ulysses, we’re still figuring out the time and place, so Buck’s historical reference feels like just another mysterious piece of the puzzle.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.

What Was Napoleon Up To?

At the turn of the 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte was aggressively expanding French control across Europe. Ireland, then under British rule, became a strategic point for Napoleon’s plans to weaken Britain. The French had already attempted to invade Ireland in 1796, sending a fleet to support the Irish Rebellion against British rule. Though bad weather and logistical issues thwarted the invasion, the mere attempt caused Britain to go on high alert.

To strengthen Britain’s defenses, Pitt pushed for the construction of coastal fortifications—thus, the Martello towers were born. Pitt’s government ordered similar towers to be built along vulnerable coastlines, including Ireland’s eastern shores.

Buck Mulligan: Wit & War

On the surface, Buck seems to be tossing out random historical trivia with his usual bravado. But his mention of Napoleon and Pitt carries more weight, hinting at the deep-rooted tensions between Ireland and Britain. Though Ireland was under British control, it had a long history of resistance and had even sought French help in the past to break free.

So, Buck’s playful remark isn’t just a casual joke—it’s a nod to the power struggles that still simmer beneath the surface in Ulysses. Joyce, ever the master of blending history with the present, uses Buck’s flippant comment to subtly ground us in the political anxieties of the time—anxieties that, like the Martello towers, still linger in the novel’s unfolding story.

Billy Pitt

References:

“William Pitt the Younger.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/William-Pitt-the-Younger.

• “Napoleon and the British.” Napoleon.org, 2025, https://www.napoleon.org/en/history-of-the-two-empires/the-british-and-napoleon/.