The White Tower

The White Tower is a disused prospect tower and summerhouse built around 1780 for Sir Rowland Hill. It is constructed of red brick in English Garden Wall bond, which was probably originally rendered, and features sandstone ashlar dressings and a plinth. The tower has a plain tile ridge roof, although much of the cladding was missing during the last survey in March 1986. The roof is concealed by a crenellated parapet and the building has an octagonal plan with two levels.

The exterior includes a moulded stone corbelled eaves cornice below the parapet. There are tall pointed windows on the three front (west) sides, each with a continuous stone cill band, and above these are square infilled openings with blind narrow lancets. A similar infilled opening is located above the entrance on the south side and on the corresponding face on the north side. The entrance itself is set in a blind infilled arch, resembling the ground floor windows, and is approached by a straight flight of six steps. It features a plain pilastered stone doorcase with a decorated moulded entablature.

Inside, the tower has fluted pilastered window surrounds with plastered ogee heads and cornice. This design continues on the blind sides, with a fireplace located in the center recess of the back wall. Traces of the original green, red, and yellow color scheme can still be seen. The roof timbers have collapsed, along with the springing for the former rib-vaulted plaster ceiling.

The White Tower commands extensive views over the surrounding Hawkstone Park and beyond.