The King Charles Tower

Donald Insall Associates, Chester, 2012

 

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The view from Deanery Fields 

Dewi Glyn Jones (website)     Download Original

  • The view from Deanery Fields    
  • Existing view from Deanery Fields    
  • Walkway view towards Cathedral    
  • The timber-decked walkway    
  • The structural frame, internal view    
  • The curved balusters to the walkway    
  • The interior, viewed from door    
  • The repaired interior of upper chamber    
  • The bench and frame interior view    
  • Plans    
  • Section    
  • Walkway - front elevation    
  • Elevations showing repair sheet    
  • Elevations showing repair sheet    
  • Walkway - detailed stone setting out    
  • Walkway - detailed plank and tab setting out    
  • Proposed new lower chamber door    
  • Details of works to lower chamber windows    
  • Roof hatch    
  • Internal wall photographs showing proposed works    
  • Walkway - Plans as existing and proposed    
  • Walkway - sections as existing and proposed    
  • Existing interior with central structural prop    
  • Existing balustrade    
  • Visuals of proposed walkway.jpg    
  • Bench seating detail    
  • Window pockets detail    
  • Balcony detail    
  • Balcony detail    

Grade I medieval defensive tower forming one of a series of visitor and museum attractions along the route of Chester City Walls, a scheduled monument

The King Charles Tower lies on the north-eastern corner of Chester City Walls and is of red, coursed sandstone with a pyramidal grey slate roof. The section of the Walls outside King Charles Tower was very narrow, with inadequate passing space for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

As part of the European PORTICO project (http://www.portico.nu/), physical access to the Walls has been improved and space provided at this key point for assembly of groups and guided tours. Structural repairs and a new ‘space frame’ have arrested further movement of the tower’s walls.

A scheme of stonework and window repairs, together with the addition of new flooring and seating, has made the tower fully accessible to visitors. The new walkway improves the setting of The King Charles Tower, creating more space and offering better views of Chester Cathedral.

The walkway complements the repair works currently underway to the tower and when visitor numbers are increased, improved access is achieved by provision of this walkway.

Data

  • Begun: Nov 2011
  • Completed: Sep 2012
  • Floor area: 40m2
  • Sectors: Arts and culture, Public realm, Civic
  • Total cost: £202,274
  • Funding: Public and ERDF IVB NWE
  • Procurement: JCT Minor Works 2011
  • Address: Chester City Walls, Chester, CH1 000, United Kingdom

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