Mistley Towers

Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No More
Mar 13th, 2023

Apr 29th, 2023

Apr 27th, 2023

Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No More
Apr 13th, 2023

Intriguing & distinctive matching pair of towers that have become symbolic of Mistley, whether the town is approached by road or river. The Towers are all that remain of the original St. Mary's church where the town's tiny churchyard was sited. The existing nave was extended at the east & west ends by the twin towers, serving not only an ornamental purpose, but also creating a chancel in the eastern tower. The riverbank church became considered too rural looking, when Mistley was redeveloped with the intention to becoming a fashionable spa resort by Richard Rigby. Richard Adam was the architect commissioned to embellish the existing structure, his makeover also including an elaborate porch, but this was later demolished together with the original nave. The site is well worth investigating if in the area as its history is so integral to the town itself. There's some scattered gravestones on-site & also the said to be, "Egyptian-style", polished black granite mausoleum for the Norman family. However, there's not much of Egyptian STYLE about it & it lacks all the decorative charm typical of Victorian era funerary architecture. Mistley Towers do provide evocative photo opportunities, due to their close vicinity to The Stour, so are often to be found surrounded by sea mists or reflected light, & even the occasional straying Swan or other seabirds. Entry to the fenced-in churchyard, (from where the replacement church just up the road is clearly visible), is permitted during any time of daylight. Keys to enter The Towers are available from the nearby Mistley Thorn.
Apr 1st, 2023