Mistley Towers (Photo: ©Historic England, English Heritage)
Our latest Curiosity of the Week is a pair of unusual towers, located in Mistley, Essex. Mistley Towers wouldn’t look out of place at St Paul’s Cathedral, but they can in fact found standing out amongst some unassuming gravestones.
The stone towers are an unusual feature, with their neoclassical design of columns, and domed roofs. The towers look as though they belong to an ornate palace or cathedral but in fact were once part of a (now demolished) parish church.
Originally, they would have been seen standing at each end of a grandiose and somewhat unconventional Georgian church. The church was designed in such an elaborate way by architect Robert Adam, to fit into a planned spa town.
Local landowner Richard Rigby had big ideas for Mistley during the 1700s, but sadly the church was about as far as Rigby got with his plan. Later, the church was demolished and replaced by a larger, more fashionable one, built nearby; leaving just the towers standing in the old churchyard.
Mistley Towers are now looked after by English Heritage and are open all year round. Visitors may look around during daytime hours but will need to obtain a key from the nearby Mistley Thorn Hotel.
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We are always on the lookout for interesting customs, hidden places, and unique buildings and landmarks, to share with our readers.
More info: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/mistley-towers