Monument record 12000/33 - Chester City Walls - Tyrer's Tower

In 1601, a more elaborate and extensive system was introduced to supply water from the Dee to the city. John Tyrer, a lay clerk in the Cathedral, was licensed to build a tower above the Bridge Gate (CHER 1200/33) (1). Tyrer leased the site from the Gamul family, who owned the Dee Mills and an arrangement was devised by which no premises could have water unless they purchased all their flour from the mill (2). Water was raised from the Dee into the tower by a pump driven by two water wheels. The water tower was an octagonal structure above the west tower of the Bridge Gate. A drawing by Randle Holme (Harl Ms 2073) shows a rectangular tower of three stages above the centre of the Bridge Gate. However, a drawing by J Stuart and prospect by Edward Wright show an octagonal structure above the west tower. The water tower remained until the gate was taken down in 1781, although it had long ceased to be used for its original purpose (3).

<1> Harris, B.E., 1979, Bartholomew City Guides - Chester, /134-135 (Book). SCH394.

<2> Various, Cheshire History, 13&14/36-37&29 Bott O J P 1984 (Journal/Periodical). SCH811.

<3> Morris, Rupert H (Rev.), 1894, Chester in the Plantagenet & Tudor Reigns, /229,287-288 (Book). SCH946.

<4> Lewis C.P & Thacker A.T. (eds), 2005, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume Vii, The City of Chester - The City of Chester, Culture, Buildings, Institutions, p223 (Book). SCH6522.