Mistley Towers, North West Tower

Mistley Towers, specifically the north west tower, is a Grade I listed building that was formerly the western tower of Mistley Thorn Church. This plain brick structure dates from around 1735 and was enhanced by the architect Robert Adam around 1777 for Richard Rigby of Mistley Hall. Adam added a tower to each end of the original building and porticos featuring two pairs of Tuscan columns at both the front and rear. Around 1870, the central nave and porticos were demolished, leaving only the two towers. The columns from the portico have been reused on the sides where the nave once stood.

The tower is constructed of stuccoed brick and features a lead dome. Both towers are essentially identical, with a square plan consisting of two stages topped by a circular turret, lead dome, and weathervane. The lower stage has a plinth, recessed arches on each face, a round-headed window with ornate tracery on one side, and a plain vertically boarded door on the opposite side, which is approached by steps. This door is absent in the southwest tower. Each angle of the tower is marked by a pair of Tuscan columns, and there is an entablature with roundels on each face.

In the second stage, there are pilasters at each angle, a circular window with glazing bars on three faces, and a round-headed window facing the former nave. Each face of this stage is pedimented. The turret features a plinth, cornice, and attached Ionic columns, with each face displaying alternating louvred and blocked rectangular windows. The lead dome has ribs and scallops and is topped with a weathervane. Inside this tower, there is a memorial to Richard Rigby, dated 8 August 1830.