St Andrew'S Church Tower

St Andrew's Church Tower is a Grade II* listed church tower located on Deansway in Worcester. It dates back to the 15th century, with the spire being rebuilt in 1751 by Nathaniel Wilkinson, a journeyman from Worcester. The tower is constructed of limestone ashlar and features a three-stage Perpendicular design with a slim, recessed, octagonal Gothick spire. The base has a chamfered plinth and diagonal off-set buttresses on the first and second stages. The first stage includes engaged columnettes, while the third stage has clasping pilasters.

The tower has pointed arches on the east, north, and south sides, adorned with Perpendicular moulding. A five-light pointed window is located on the west side. The second stage features a two-light pointed window with Perpendicular tracery, and there is a band marking the transition to the second stage. The third stage has a two-light pointed belfry window. The spire includes one level of two-light lucarnes and single light lucarnes, topped with a Corinthian capital.

Inside, there is a lierne-vault over the lower stage, with the springers of the first bay of the arcades visible to the east. A plank door in an ogee surround is located at the south-west angle.

Historically, the original medieval church, likely from the 12th century, was demolished in 1948/9 due to concerns about its structural integrity. The tower now stands in a public garden that was opened in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Elizabeth II. The original top of the spire is also displayed in this garden. Locally, the spire is known as "The Glover's Needle" because of its shape and Worcester's historical connection to the glove-making industry. The tower is a significant feature of the streetscape and serves as an important landmark, contributing to the visual context of Worcester Cathedral and other nearby historical buildings.