King Charles Tower - Open

King Charles Tower stands on the North-East corner of the city walls over-looking the canal. Built as a watch tower, parts date back to the 13th Century. Later it was used as a meeting place for the Guilds and known then as Phoenix Tower after the emblem of the painters’ guild who restored the tower in 1613. The remains of their phoenix emblem can still be seen above the door to the lower chamber.

Today it is known as King Charles Tower because of its association with King Charles I and the battle of Rowton Moor. The Inscription above the door to the upper chamber reads: 'King Charles Stood on this Tower Sept. 24 1645. And saw his army defeated on Rowton Moor'.

Volunteers will be in attendance to answer your questions and a children’s activity sheet is available.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1100 - 1300

Sunday 13 September:

1100 - 1300

Location & directions

City Walls, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2JF

Directions:

///sentences.poetic.flame = what three words location for the tower. The tower can be accessed via the ramp to the City Walls from Bell Tower Walk, the pedestrian passageway from St Werburgh Street south of the Cathedral.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The lower chamber of the Tower is accessed directly from the City Walls, via a door of limited width. There are steep steps leading to the upper chamber.

Additional information

There are several car parks in Chester city centre but there will be a charge. Bonewaldesthorne's Tower will also be open on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September from 11.15am-1.15pm so drop in while you are on the walls and visit Chester's Victorian Camera Obscura.

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