Description and History of Site:-
Water tower of 1910-11 built by Sir Reginald Bloomfield in response to one of the worst typhoid outbreaks in the country's history. In 1904-5, over 1,000 people in Lincoln contracted typhoid and 113 people died after consuming contaminated water from the River Witham. In 1908 a new source was developed at Elkesley. The water being pumped to Westgate tower, from which it flowed by gravity to Bracebridge Heath. Westgate Tower and Bracebridge Heath reservoir (see PRN 67106) were opened in 1911 and 1912 respectively.

The tank inside the tower is of rivetted iron and is supported on a circular brick shaft encased within a massive, square, stone masonry outer structure, designed to blend in with the nearby castle and cathedral. The voids in the corners between the brick and stone structures are utilised for stairwells, giving access to the tank and tower roof. (adapted from the HER entry)

Further Reading and References:-
https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MLI70097&resourceID=1006
Wright N R, Lincolnshire's Industrial Heritage - A Guide, Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology, 2004,LN32-p39
Barton B, Water Towers of Britain, Newcomen Society,2003

Help us improve this entry

The compilers welcome corrections or additional information on all sites.
Any information provided will be verified before appearing on the web site.

Email comments

Key Words :- water tower

Viewing the Site :- Can be viewed from the public road or footpath

Address :- Chapel Land off Westgate, Ermine, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3BG
Grid Ref :- SK 97470 72060
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.236635 , Long -0.541076
Local Authority :- City of Lincoln Council
Pre 1974 County :- Lincolnshire - Lindsey
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1388494,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Record Date :- 20 February 2019

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © John Suter