More information : [TR 15435777] The Ethelbert Tower. (1) Ethelbert's Tower [NR] (Remains of) (NAT). (2) Additional references. (3-4) Remains excavated in 1955-1957. (5) The north-west tower of St. Augustine's Abbey Church, known as 'the Ethelbert Tower' for reasons unclear, owes its survival to having been retained by Henry VIII at the S end of his 'palace' (TR 15 NE 349).
Dating evidence for the tower survives in the form of column bases at ground level and gallery level, of c1100-1130. (6) St Ethelbert's Tower, intact in 1655, N half fell between then and 1722. Most of remainder, except lower part, fell on 16th Oct 1822, the surviving part being demolished as unsafe soon after. Dated c1120-30, the tower was among the most ornate and elaborate examples of enriched Romanesque work in the country. (7) Ethelbert Tower, usually dated as late as 1120-30, probably earlier, c1100 at least up to eaves level, if not to full height. (See Illustration Card for drawings). (8) Additional reference and plan. (See Illustration Card). (9) N side of Ethelbert Tower severely damaged by earthquake in 1692. (10) |