Sighting Tower

The Sighting Tower in Ilton-cum-Pott is a survey tower built in 1903 for the Harrogate Corporation. It is constructed from hammer-dressed stone laid in courses and stands approximately 14 meters tall. The structure features two buttressed piers that are T-shaped in cross-section, rising about 10 meters to support the upper part of the tower. These piers are oriented so that their T-shaped heads create a narrow slit that is 55 centimeters wide and around 10 meters tall through the tower. The upper section of the tower is roughly square and is surrounded by buttresses that extend from the piers.

This survey tower was one of three built to assist in the alignment of the 3-mile-long Carlesmoor Aqueduct tunnel, which was designed to transport water from Roundhill Reservoir beneath Masham Moor to supply Harrogate. Permission for this project was granted in 1901, the tunnel was completed in 1908, and the system became operational in 1911. The other two towers were located on the watershed near High Langwith Cross and just beyond the tunnel portal at Carlesmoor.

Survey towers like this one are uncommon, as they often become obsolete once the engineering project is finished. This particular tower is noted for its distinctive design and is recognized as a rare type of structure.