Mistley Towers

Mistley Towers are two identical neoclassical towers with Ionic columns and lantern-topped domes positioned at the east and west ends of a former church site overlooking the River Stour. Each tower stands approximately 130 feet (40 meters) tall and displays carefully crafted details that reflect the architectural ambition of the period.

Richard Rigby commissioned architect Robert Adam in 1776 to transform the existing church into a grand building as part of his vision for a spa town. The towers survived the 1870 church demolition and were later used as navigation markers for vessels traveling along the estuary.

The eastern tower displays ceiling paintings of the Holy Trinity, while both structures feature intricate Portland stone decorations and Tuscan porticos that reflect deliberate artistic design. These ornamental details remain visible today and express the owner's ambition to create something grand.

The exterior of the towers is accessible at any time, and keys for interior visits can be obtained from nearby workshops. Street parking is available along the B1352, making the site convenient to reach from the main road.

After the church structure was demolished, the towers served as navigation markers for river traffic and retained their practical purpose. This unexpected second function saved the buildings from being forgotten and enabled their preservation to this day.

Location: Mistley

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/mistley-towers

GPS coordinates: 51.94590,1.07739

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04