Wayneflete Tower, Medieval gatehouse in Esher, England.
Wayneflete Tower is a four-story brick structure in Esher that functioned as a gatehouse for a medieval palace complex. The building displays elaborate chimneys, mullioned windows, and decorative stone dressings across its exterior walls.
William Wayneflete, Bishop of Winchester, had this gatehouse tower built in 1462 as part of his palace estate for noble residence. The structure survived centuries of change and maintained its distinctive form to the present day.
The tower stands as a remnant of the gatehouse tradition, marking the boundary between public and private spaces in medieval estates. Its position reflects how important entry points were designed to impress visitors arriving at grand residences.
The building is accessible from the exterior and offers a sense of medieval brick architecture in person. Its Grade I listed status ensures its preservation and makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in architectural history.
Dendrochronological analysis of the tower's timber components helped experts trace precise construction phases and modifications across centuries. This scientific method revealed alterations and repairs that would have otherwise remained invisible.
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