The Water Tower, Canterbury

The Water Tower in Canterbury, located within the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, is a lesser-known yet historically significant structure. Built in the mid-12th century, it was designed to provide a reliable water supply to the monastery that once occupied the cathedral grounds. At a time when access to clean water was a daily challenge, the Water Tower represented a major advancement in monastic infrastructure. It collected water from a spring outside the city walls, which was then funneled through a system of lead pipes and stone conduits into the Cathedral Close.

Architecturally, the tower is a robust Norman structure, notable for its round shape, thick walls, and simple yet functional design. It stands near the Infirmary Cloister and forms part of a sophisticated medieval waterworks system that included settling tanks and a filtering house. Though modest in ornamentation compared to the cathedral itself, the Water Tower鈥檚 importance lies in its engineering ingenuity and its role in maintaining the daily operations of the monastic community. It is one of the few remaining examples of such a system still visible today.

Visitors can admire the Water Tower as part of a walk around the Cathedral precincts. While it is not open to the public for interior access, its proximity to other monastic buildings like the Infirmary Chapel and the herb gardens helps contextualize the practical and spiritual lives of medieval monks. Its weathered stone and enduring presence speak to the foresight of the medieval builders and the cathedral鈥檚 enduring role as a self-contained religious complex.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Canterbury. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: The Water Tower
Sight Location: Canterbury, England (See walking tours in Canterbury)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Canterbury Cathedral and Grounds

Walking Tours in Canterbury, England

Create Your Own Walk in Canterbury

Creating your own self-guided walk in Canterbury is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Canterbury Introduction Walking Tour

Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the most visited cities in England. Canterbury has a long history and has been occupied since Paleolithic times. It was the capital of the Celtic Cantiaci, Romans settled the area for centuries, and the site was the capital of the Kingdom of Kent.

Saint Augustine arrived in Canterbury in 597 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Canterbury Cathedral and Grounds

Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest churches that played a crucial role in English Christianity, stands within its own walled area, surrounded by Medieval buildings and ruins.

At the heart of this ensemble rises the cathedral itself, a magnificent example of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter, you'll pass through the imposing Christ Church Gate, a... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles

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