Lendal Tower

Lendal Tower is a defensive tower dating from around 1300. It was heightened in 1616, strengthened and extended in the 17th century (c1677), and altered for office use in the 19th century (c1846), with further refitting in 1932. The tower is constructed of magnesian limestone, incorporating carved fragments from the ruins of St Mary's Abbey. The roof is reportedly copper, but is not visible. The tower is a three-stage circular structure with an attached circular stair tower, set on a chamfered plinth, and includes a three-storey extension. All parts of the building are embattled. An unused 19th-century doorway with panelled double doors is present in the extension. Blocked slit windows are visible on the ground floor of both towers; other windows are 1- and 2-light, with chamfered mullions and openings. The tower is entered through Lendal Hill House. The interior includes a brick partition wall on the lower storeys, retaining evidence of engine housings, a wooden spiral staircase within the stair tower, and rooms on the first and second floors fitted with panelling. Historically, the tower was leased to the Waterworks Company in 1677 for 500 years in exchange for a symbolic rent, still paid annually.