Stratton'S Tower

LITTLE BERKHAMSTED BUCKS ALLEY TL 20 NE (Northeast side) Little Berkhamsted 7/82 Stratton's Tower 24.11.66 (formerly listed as Berkhampstead Monument (Stratton's Folly)) - II*

Observatory tower, now dwelling. 1789 for Admiral J. Stratton of the Gage (q.v). Red brick, some vitrified, largely re-used from C17 brew-house previously on the site. 5 stages. 155 feet high. Octagonal lower stage with unequal sides, 4 larger sides have blank arches. Plinth. Cyma recta cornice. To SE an entrance, glazed doors, round headed fanlight, impost blocks. Upper stages are all round. Short 2nd stage with 4 openings aligned with lower stage arches, 9 pane windows recessed with slightly cambered heads. Plat band to 3rd and 4th stages, 4 tall relieving arches on same alignment with continuous impost band, within arches are 3rd stage tall round headed sashes, 4th stage oculi with radiating glazing bars. Openings to N on 2nd, 3rd and 4th stages are blind. Plat band and cyma recta cornice to top stage with 8 small pane windows with slightly cambered heads. Stone coped embattled parapet aligned so that merlons are over windows. Interior not inspected. Traditionally built to view ships on Thames but more probably for astronomical observation. (RCHM 1910: Pevsner 1977: G. Millington, Little Berkhamsted, 1981).

Listing NGR: TL2949508107