Mistley Towers, North West Tower

MISTLEY THE WALLS TM 1131

10/265 Mistley Towers. North 17/11/66 west tower

GV I

Tower. One of a pair q.v. 10/266. Formerly the western tower of Mistley Thorn Church, a plain brick building of circa 1735 which was enhanced by Robert Adam circa 1777 for Richard Rigby of Mistley Hall. Adam added a tower to each end of the original building and porticos with 2 pairs of Tuscan columns each to the front and rear. The central Nave and porticos were demolished circa 1870 leaving the 2 towers. The portico columns have been re-used on the sides where the Nave formerly stood. Stuccoed brick. Lead dome. The towers are basically identical. Square plan of 2 stages surmounted by a circular turret, lead dome and weathervane. The lower stage, plinth, recessed arches to each face, a round head window with ornate tracery set into one face, and a plain vertically boarded door approached by steps set into the opposite face, (position of former Nave). This door is not present in the southwest tower. A pair of Tuscan columns at each angle, entablature with roundel to each face. Second stage, a pair of pilasters to each angle, a circular window with glazing bars to 3 faces and a round headed window to the former Nave face. Each face pedimented. Turret with plinth, cornice and attached Ionic columns, each face with alternate louvred and blocked rectangular windows, lead dome with ribs and scallops, surmounted by a weathervane. There is a memorial to Richard Rigby, 8 August 1830 inside this tower. q.v. 3/227.

Listing NGR: TM1158831982