Tower Hill Water Tower

Tower Hill Water Tower is a sandstone water storage structure in Ormskirk with a square footprint and Romanesque architectural features. Each side displays two full-height arches with stepped surrounds, creating a distinctive geometric appearance typical of Victorian industrial design.

The structure was built between 1853 and 1854 for the Ormskirk Local Board of Health to supply water to the growing town. It ranks among the oldest surviving examples of such infrastructure in Great Britain, marking the start of modern municipal water systems.

The structure takes its name from Tower Hill, the area where it stands alongside community allotments that now define the neighborhood. This setting shows how the site has shifted from industrial purpose to a shared local space.

The tower sits within a residential neighborhood surrounded by community allotments that make the area easy to navigate. Daytime visits work best for viewing the architectural details and understanding how the structure relates to its local setting.

The structure once rose considerably higher due to a large metal water tank that sat atop its roof. This tank was removed during the 1990s, significantly reducing what visitors see today compared to its original appearance.

Location: West Lancashire

Inception: 1854

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 53.56954,-2.87242

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:41