The Tower Or Pepper Pot

BRIGHTON

TQ3204NW TOWER ROAD 577-1/35/909 No.1 13/10/52 The Tower or "Pepper Pot" (Formerly Listed as: ATTREE DRIVE No.1 The Tower or the "Pepper Box")

II

Garden observation tower, built for the grounds of Attree Villa (not included). 1830. Designed by Charles Barry for the Brighton Solicitor and property developer, Thomas Attree. Cement scored to resemble ashlar blocks. Domical roof also in cement. Base is octagonal in plan; upper stages circular in plan. EXTERIOR: 4 stages. The lowest stage has a plinth from which rise battered walls to an entablature with projecting cornice. The entrance is set in the south-east face, in front of which is a semicircular area enclosed by low parapet walls. The drum to the second stage is low, defined by a plinth below and a cornice above. The third stage is the tallest and most prominent. 11 giant attached columns of the Composite order support an entablature with a modillioned cornice. In the upper reaches of the wall between each pair of columns is one flat-arched window with a sill band. A wall band the height of each capital projects forward slightly to articulate this area. The line of each column continues into the 4th, top stage, expressed by a pilastrade. The area between each pair of pilasters is treated as a recessed panel. The entablature of the top stage is very rich, and steps out about each pilaster. The vertical lines terminate in a series of ball finials above the cornice. The elliptical dome is fielded. At the very top, in metal, an urn. HISTORICAL NOTE: in the 1960s the single-storey extension opposite the entrance was converted into a public lavatory by the Borough Council. The building's original purpose can only be speculated (it may have housed a water tower or even served as a sewer vent). Since construction it has served several purposes. In the mid to late C19 George Duddell, who purchased Attree Villa and grounds in 1863, used it to print the "Brighton Daily Mail". It was presented to the Corporation with the rest of the estate in 1891. During the WWII it was used as a military observation tower, and after as a headquarters for a boy scout troupe, and, later still, as an artist's studio. It is known locally as the "Pepper Pot". (Carder T: The Encyclopaedia of Brighton: Lewes: 1990-: 138C).

Listing NGR: TQ3216204760