Water Tower by Arthur S
The Water Tower
Grade i listed Water Tower and the adjoining “spur wall” are part of the ancient Chester City Walls.
The Water Tower was built from 1322 to 1326 at Chester’s expense to command the then immediately adjoining medieval port, for 100 pounds. Circular and with a slightly battered solid lower stage and two stages containing chambers; the total height to the crown of the parapet is approx 15m or 50 feet. The tower has bow loops overlooking the lower chamber, a square turret facing the City Wall with garderobe at north corner and bow loops to upper storey.
The parapets to the spur wall have probably the only surviving example of medieval crenellation on the walls at Chester. On the half landing, crenels were converted to embrasures for cannon during the Civil War. A panel on the north parapet is inscribed INVENIT AUT EXCIT.
The interior of the Water Tower features part-glazed Gothick double doors leading to five stone steps down to an octagonal chamber with arched alcoves to entrance and for access to bow loops and has octagonal keel-moulded, rib-vault springing directly from corners.
A spiral stair of twenty-three stone steps and lit by two bow-loops leads to the octagonal upper chamber, vaulted as the lower chamber and with bow loops now blocked. There is opening of uncertain date, to the north-east.
Created: 16 December 2020 Edited: 29 November 2023
The Water Tower
Local History around The Water Tower
There are some historic monuments around including:
Standing cross in St Mary's churchyardMoated site north-west of Mill Hill House FarmMoated site 180m W of Fir Tree FarmChester Castle (part)Roman camp at Upton, 400m east of the water tower north of Long LaneRoman quarry including Edgar's Cave and the rock-cut figure of Minerva on Edgar's Field, 150m south west of Dee BridgeMoated site of Lea Hall, 80m east of Leahall FarmBruera moated site and adjacent field systemDodleston motte and bailey castleStanding cross in St Lawrence's churchyard, StoakPart of a Roman camp at Hoole 200m south of Hoole HallAldford motte and bailey and shell keep castleThe walls, towers, gates and posterns of the City of ChesterRoman camp 300m west of Upton Grange FarmHeronbridge Roman siteBretton Hall Moated Site Abbey Green Roman siteMoated site at Upton Grange, UptonRoman amphitheatre (southern part)Roman camp at Upton, 350m north east of the water tower north of Long LaneDee BridgeSt John's Church (ruined portions)Roman camp at Upton Heath, beside the water tower north of Long LaneMoated site and fishpond S of Huntington HallDodleston Hall moated siteBelgrave moated site and medieval gardenThe Little Abbey Gateway, Northgate StreetRoman camp on Fox Covert Lane 650m north west of Picton GorseMotte and associated earthworks east of Old RectoryHuntington Hall moated siteChapel at Chapel House Farm 200m west of Wervin Old HallSt Nicholas' Chapel.
