Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 18 out of 19 hikers
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape
The square symmetrical towers are in the neoclassical style, resembling tall pavilions rather than towers, with each facade pedimented and the whole surmounted by a cupola decorated with blind windows interspersed by Ionic columns. At ground floor level two unfluted ionic columns at each corner support a decorative cornice. The columns are decorative only, and appear to serve no structural purpose. The design of the towers creates the impression that the building was once more of a miniature cathedral than a parish church. However, the main body of the church was small and occupied the (now empty) site between the two towers. It was a single storey structure with a simple hipped roof and entrance porticos at its centre. This was the part of Adam's church which was demolished in 1870. The remaining towers are Grade I listed and a scheduled monument.(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistley_Towers)
March 10, 2021
Mistley Towers are two porticoed classical towers which stood at each end of the now-demolished Church of St Mary the Virgin, a grandiose but highly unconventional place of worship. Work commenced on the church in 1776. The Towers are now in the care of English Heritage and are free to visit. For more information, visit: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/mistley-towers.
June 30, 2020
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!