Site:   

Former Water Tower (No.38a) Evesham Road, Headless Cross

Grid Reference:    

SP 0373 6617

Description:

Water tower, 1881-3, converted to dwelling late 20th century. Brick with blue brick dressings and plain clay tiled roof with ornate iron finial. Octagonal plan. 3 stages; tall chamfered plinth with broad blue brick banding to upper courses, and also blue brick bands of varying widths to main stages and at sill levels. Also moulded blue brick course above openings to third stage and oversailing eaves courses. Loophole openings with blue brick sills; 4 in main faces of lower stages and 8 to upper third stage. Inserted 20th century casements to south-west. Entrance faces south and has round-arched opening in blue brick, the plinth band adjoining archway at impost level; part-glazed 20th century door.

An underground reservoir lies immediately adjacent to the west side of the tower.

The water tower was constructed by the East Worcestershire Waterworks Company as part of the town�s new fresh water supply and sewerage scheme, which was begun in 1881 and completed in 1883. The Bartleet fountain in Church Green commemorates the successful completion of the scheme.

The tower was replaced by a new concrete structure in 1973

Significance:

This is an attractive and well-detailed building, notable for its decorative brickwork, slender octagonal form and ornate finial, and it has become a popular local landmark. Its conversion to a dwelling has retained its architectural integrity and it survives as an important feature of the town�s scheme of social improvements and economic growth during the late nineteenth century.

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History:

This building........