Henri VIII Tower

The Henri VIII Tower is a fortified structure in Tournai with walls approximately 7 meters thick constructed from rectangular stone blocks that show its military purpose. The building was part of a larger fortification complex and remains one of the few surviving examples of medieval defensive architecture in the region.

The tower was built in 1515 during English occupation and formed part of a citadel constructed to house soldiers after Henry VIII conquered Tournai. This construction marked a turning point in the city's fortification history.

The tower represents a period when Tournai was important enough to send representatives to the English Parliament under Henry VIII's rule. This elevated status is reflected in the solid construction that still impresses visitors today.

The tower is located near Tournai's train station and is easy to reach. Visitors should note that the thick walls and compact spaces give a real sense of medieval military construction.

The tower stands out for its extraordinary wall thickness of about 7 meters, which makes it distinctive among Tournai's surviving fortifications. This robust construction was necessary to provide durability and resistance against siege weapons of the era.