Phoenix Tower, Chester
Phoenix Tower, also known historically as Newton Tower and King Charles' Tower, stands at the northeast corner of Chester's city walls. This Grade I listed building, with origins dating back to the 13th century, is an iconic landmark steeped in history and legend.
Initially constructed in red-coursed sandstone, the tower comprises four stages, with its lower two levels situated below the city wall鈥檚 walkway. Its design includes an octagonal lower chamber measuring approximately 30 feet (9 meters) in diameter, adorned with five slit windows. A string course separates the upper two stages, which feature leaded casement windows and a battlemented parapet, topped with a distinctive lead hip roof and ornate weathervane.
In the late 16th century, the Phoenix Tower was leased to the Painters and Stationers and the Barbers and Chandlers guilds. A 1613 plaque with a phoenix emblem marks their restoration of the tower. During the English Civil War, it housed artillery during the 1645 Siege of Chester. Legend claims King Charles I watched his troops' defeat at Rowton Heath from its summit, though this is debated.
After the guilds relinquished possession of the tower in the late 18th century, the city took over its upkeep. By the 19th century, Phoenix Tower had become a tourist attraction due to its royal connections. It also served various uses, including a print shop and a private museum.
Today, the tower remains a testament to Chester's rich history, blending medieval architecture with Civil War lore and the enduring legacy of its guild associations. Its unique features, including the 1613 Phoenix plaque and the commanding views from its battlemented parapet, continue to captivate visitors exploring Chester's city walls.
Initially constructed in red-coursed sandstone, the tower comprises four stages, with its lower two levels situated below the city wall鈥檚 walkway. Its design includes an octagonal lower chamber measuring approximately 30 feet (9 meters) in diameter, adorned with five slit windows. A string course separates the upper two stages, which feature leaded casement windows and a battlemented parapet, topped with a distinctive lead hip roof and ornate weathervane.
In the late 16th century, the Phoenix Tower was leased to the Painters and Stationers and the Barbers and Chandlers guilds. A 1613 plaque with a phoenix emblem marks their restoration of the tower. During the English Civil War, it housed artillery during the 1645 Siege of Chester. Legend claims King Charles I watched his troops' defeat at Rowton Heath from its summit, though this is debated.
After the guilds relinquished possession of the tower in the late 18th century, the city took over its upkeep. By the 19th century, Phoenix Tower had become a tourist attraction due to its royal connections. It also served various uses, including a print shop and a private museum.
Today, the tower remains a testament to Chester's rich history, blending medieval architecture with Civil War lore and the enduring legacy of its guild associations. Its unique features, including the 1613 Phoenix plaque and the commanding views from its battlemented parapet, continue to captivate visitors exploring Chester's city walls.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chester. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Phoenix Tower on Map
Sight Name: Phoenix Tower
Sight Location: Chester, England (See walking tours in Chester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chester, England (See walking tours in Chester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chester, England
Create Your Own Walk in Chester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chester's Black-and-white Architecture Tour
While the origins of Chester date back to Roman Times, much of the city center, and by far the greatest part of it, looks medieval. Indeed, if you visit the city, the first thing you notice is the magnificent black-and-white architecture. Despite their appearance, however, the majority of these buildings are Victorian by the time of construction.
The Black-and-White Revival was an architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
The Black-and-White Revival was an architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Chester Introduction Walking Tour
Chester is a walled city in Cheshire. It was originally founded in 79 AD as a Roman fort with the name Deva Victrix. It was garrisoned until the 4th century when it was abandoned by the Romans. It is thought that the area was settled by Anglo-Saxons during medieval times. It was also briefly occupied by the Danes.
Chester was very important during the Industrial Revolution. This is largely due... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Chester was very important during the Industrial Revolution. This is largely due... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Chester's City Walls
Chester City Walls are the oldest, longest and most complete (missing only just about 100 meters) historic defensive structure in Britain. Walking the full circuit of this ancient fortification provides wondrous views, wherever you choose to go, down into the city, and offers a fantastic insight into Chester's rich history.
First built by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago, the Walls were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
First built by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago, the Walls were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles