Water Tower - Open

Visit this 14th century tower on Chester City Walls, built to defend the port of Chester and meet time traveller Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians on the way.

Water Tower is attached by a spur wall to the older Bonewaldesthorne's Tower on the north-west corner of Chester City Walls. This part of the Walls dates to the early 10th century when Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians, extended the original Roman defences of Chester to protect the town from the Vikings.

Accessed from Bonewaldesthorne's Tower, the landlocked Water Tower once stood in the River Dee and housed the port authorities monitoring shipping and collecting import duties.

This is a rare opportunity to see the inside the towers, and you may also encounter time traveller Æthelflæd telling her story of Chester in the 10th century. She will be at Water Tower from 11:00am until 12:30pm and from 1:15pm to 3:00pm.

Volunteers will also be on hand to tell you about the Towers.

FAQs

·         Where are these towers?

The towers are on the north west corner of the City Walls and can be accessed from City Walls Road.

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·         Is the venue fully accessible?

No, these historic buildings are only accessible by steps including a long steep flight from Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower down to Water Tower.

·         Is this event suitable for children?

Yes. This event is suitable for all ages.