Phoenix Tower

Phoenix Tower, also known as King Charles' Tower, is a significant structure located at the north-east corner of Chester's City Walls. It likely dates back to the 13th century and underwent alterations in 1613. The tower sustained damage during the Civil War from 1644 to 1646 and was largely rebuilt in 1658, with further modifications in the 18th century. Repairs were made in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The tower is constructed of red coursed sandstone and features a pyramidal grey slate roof. It consists of four stages, with the lower two stages, comprising 14 and 12 courses, being refaced in tooled sandstone. These stages are below the level of the wall walk and have a diminishing batter, either solid or without access to the interior. The upper stages are made of eroded coursed rubble and include a coved string above each stage.

The third stage features a round-arched boarded door leading to the wall walk, along with loops and an external iron-gated stone stair consisting of three winders and thirteen rectangular steps, supported by a corbelled half-arch that projects beyond the wall's plane. Above the doorway to the lower chamber is a carved phoenix, dated 1613, which is the emblem of the City Guild of Painters, Glaziers, Embroiderers and Stationers, who used the tower as a meeting place.

The fourth stage includes a boarded door and four three-light casements with leaded octagonal and lozenge panes. A plaque above the door commemorates King Charles, who stood on the tower on September 24, 1645, to witness his army's defeat at Rowton Moor. The roof is adorned with leaded hips and an ornate weather-vane.

Inside, the lower chamber is octagonal with a cornice and radial ribs supporting a vaulted ceiling, while the upper chamber reveals the exposed roof structure. The current tower is built over the north-east tower of the legionary fortress.