St Leonards Tower

St Leonards Tower is a Norman stone tower in West Malling that rises 22 meters (72 feet) high, built on a natural sandstone outcrop. The thick walls are constructed from Kentish ragstone and feature decorative round-headed arches throughout its structure.

The tower was built between 1077 and 1108 by order of either Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, or Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother of William the Conqueror. Its construction falls within the period when Norman leaders were establishing control over the English landscape.

The tower served different purposes across the centuries, first as an administrative hub for church estates and later as storage for harvested crops. This shifting use reflects how the building's role in local community life evolved over time.

The tower sits near Manor Park Country Park with parking available nearby for visitors. The exterior remains accessible during daylight hours and is maintained by English Heritage.

The spiral staircase inside lacks a central newel post, an unusual feature for towers of this era. The original entrance sat at first-floor level and required wooden stairs to reach it rather than ground-level access typical of later fortifications.

Location: West Malling

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-leonards-tower

GPS coordinates: 51.28821,0.40205

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:40