Rhenish Tower, Lynmouth

The Rhenish Tower is a building on the pier of Lynmouth, in Devon, England, originally built in the 19th century. It is Grade II listed.[1] The tower has been called "a Lynmouth icon".[2]

"Rhenish tower" redirects here. For the type of spire of the historic Rhineland, see Rhenish helm.
Rhenish Tower
LocationLynmouth, Devon
Coordinates51°13′54.61″N 3°49′51.61″W
OS grid referenceSS 72258 49666
Listed Building – Grade II
Designated19 July 1950
Reference no.1210267

History and description

It is a square tower, built mostly of rubble. Near the top are two balconies supported by brick machicolations, and above this is a brick turret with a fire basket. It acquired its name since it was said to resemble a tower on the River Rhine.[1]

It is thought to have been built in the early 19th century, as a beacon to guide mariners. Because the tower was regarded as an eyesore, the balconies were added. An electric light was later fitted as a beacon.[3]

There is an alternative original function, which was to provide salt water from a tank in the tower to baths in the Bath Hotel on Lynmouth Street (now Grade II listed). Bathing in salt water was believed to be good for the health, and participants could in this way not be troubled by cold water or heavy waves.[2][3][4]

The tower was the subject of paintings by Arthur Lee (mid 19th-century) and Samuel Calvert. They are both in Lynton Town Hall.[5][6]

The tower was destroyed by the Lynmouth Flood of 15 August 1952, and was rebuilt in 1954; the fire basket, salvaged from the beach, was the only part from the original tower.[2]

References
  1. Historic England. "Rhenish Tower (1210267)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  2. "The Rhenish Tower – a Lynmouth Icon" Visit Lynton and Lynmouth. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  3. "Rhenish Tower, Lynmouth Pier (Building)" Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  4. Historic England. "Bath Hotel with Pixie Dell (1282802)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  5. Rhenish Tower, Lynmouth, Devon by Arthur Lee Art UK. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  6. Rhenish Tower, Lynmouth, Devon by Samuel Calvert Art UK. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
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