Mortella Tower. Corsica (elevation). First illustration in Plan of Mortella Tower, St Fiorenzo Bay. Corsica, 1794. Repro ID: PU1621 ©National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, LondonBritain had three main types of land defence force: the regular Army, a reformed Militia and the newly created volunteer corps. This gave a total of some 500,000 armed men. There were also numerous maritime volunteer organizations, such as the Sea and River Fencibles. Popular patriotism was widespread, with women playing an important role in maintaining morale.

The government also ordered the construction of fixed defences, such as 'martello towers'. Swift communication was vital. Coastal signal stations were established to convey intelligence of enemy movements. The Admiralty telegraph, a chain of signal stations linking London with key southern ports, ensured that messages were passed rapidly. Espionage also played its part.

Adequate funds to support the expense of war were essential. Low-value paper bank notes were issued from March 1797 to protect the Bank of England's gold reserves and allow trade to continue. Income tax was introduced in 1799 to raise additional revenue.

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