The Jumbo Water Tower was the second-largest water tower in the U.K. at the time of its construction. Take your camera to capture the building, which has become a local icon. The tower isn’t open to the public, but you can still take pictures of its exterior.
Construction on the Jumbo Water Tower began in 1882 and took 20 months to complete. Over 1.2 million bricks weighing 819 tons were used to make the tower, which stands 131 feet (40 meters) high. Its dominating presence didn’t please everyone and the nickname Jumbo wasn’t a term of endearment. Reverend John Irvine, who complained that the towering structure was built so close to the rectory at the St. Mary church, used to compare it to an elephant from the London Zoo.
The tower was decommissioned after 105 years, but is still a site of historical interest. Look up at its facade and admire the engineering work carried out over a century ago. The high brick arches and gently sloping roof are typical of the Victorian period. The tower has 157 iron steps to a height of 116 feet (35 meters). Imagine how World War II soldiers stood here looking out for enemy planes in the 1940s. Note the upper parapet, which was a later addition and was placed here in 1908.
Jumbo Water Tower is located at Balkerne Gate at the western end of Colchester High Street. It is easy walking distance from most of Colchester’s other main attractions and visitor center. There is pay-and-display parking nearby.
