Pemberton's Parlour

Pemberton's Parlour is a circular watchtower made of red sandstone that stands along Chester's city walls. The structure features a semicircular inner chamber, an arched doorway at ground level, and three decorative stone panels across its south-facing side.

The tower began as a round structure in Chester's medieval defenses. It was rebuilt during Queen Anne's time in the early 1700s and underwent major restoration work again in 1894.

The panels on its outer walls display royal arms and the city's coat of arms, showing how local rulers wanted to display their connection to the crown. These decorative elements tell you something about the importance of authority in daily life here.

You can enter the tower through its ground-level doorway, which leads directly onto the city walls walkway. The site sits on flat ground and is easy to navigate as part of a walk along the historic defenses.

The tower answers to two names: the older Goblin Tower and Pemberton's Parlour, which comes from a mayor who oversaw rope-making work done on the structure. The term parlour hints at the practical work that once happened inside.