 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
History of the Tower
The Tower is a 95ft folly, built in the grounds of the Rectory by a former incumbant, the Rev. Edward Bull, in 1859. A plaque above the door states that the tower was built by him "In honour of his parents, on the spot they loved so well". |
How it was, An attempt to upgrade the Tower to Grade II* was unsuccessful. Had the Dept of the Environment been able to upgrade it, various grants might be available. As it was a builder friend helped with the repairs for free. |
 |
Tower top |
 |
Having lost the lead roof during the war, the weather had, over the years, gradually destroyed the oak kite spiral staircase and woodworm and rot has put pay to the softwood central spindle It is recorded that from the top one can see over 40 churches. We are now able to verify this since the rotted staircase has been repaired and the central spindle has been replaced. A decking roof has been fitted and water drains off to a spout to the North of the tower. |
Staircase |
More information can be found here
Diary of the Tower's Progress
Monday 22nd May 2006 Chris arrived and we did a day's work on the steps in the tower… managed to get a few in after he had morticed & tennoned post. Removed old central column and dismantled existing ladders. Measured for 1st column with variations in rise of each tread from 215-245mm. Started 1st pole. |
 |
Wednesday Picked up CN from bus station and got cracking on more tower. Completed pole. Fitted 1st 4 kites and discovered tower tapered out 100mm in 2.4m. Discovered kites were wrong angle and needed to be increased in width. Cut too much off kite as didn’t realise tower leant outwards. Also discovered central pole was not central. |
 |
Thursday we'd got most of the steps for 1st column in as well as the second column in place. Swept out tower. Picked up kites from JP and dropped off more wood. |
 |
Friday Fitted 4 kites and made up temporary kites. |
 |
Wednesday 26th and we got to within a few steps of the top of the tower by Friday. Completed 2nd pole & started drilling 3rd pole. |
 |
Thursday 1st June Nearly got to top of tower. Fitted temporary kites and some permanent. Fitted 3rd pole. Cut final pole 1590mm with 7 rebates. Designed hatch and roof. Collected material for roof. |
 |
Monday 5th June Collected CN & worked on tower. Finished the last six steps including 3 temporary kites. Built roof rafters. Half lapped the main spindle. Fitted all noggins. Cut ply and temporary fixed. Got last pole in and actually got the last steps temporary & permanent, in and got half the roof on. Result! Great view and worth all the hard work. Immediately got on to some troops to join us with a glass at the top for topping out ceremony. A&W, PW, GH & ST, Ant, Brent, Jacko (phoned him & he took the call in his tractor at Foxearth, looked over and saw us waving at him!) Great day. We all went for a curry where we drank more champagne. |
|
Transcript of Entry in "The Builder"
Vol XVII p412 June 18 1859
Sudbury. On the Queen's birthday, the completion of the Memorial Tower, recently erected at Pentlow, by the Rev E. Bull, Rector, to the memory of his parents, was celebrated.
The tower is octagon [sic] 90 feet in height, of the Tudor style of architecture, embattled, and built of red bricks, and variagated with designs in black. On the top is a flag staff. The summit is reached by a spiral oak staircase, of 114 steps, lighted by windows placed in the sides of the tower.
From the top a view is obtained, embracing forty one churches, sixty windmills, two castles and several large halls and estates. The tower, according to printed statements, was designed and erected by Mr L. Webb of Sudbury, superintended by Mr. J Johnson, architect, of Bury St Edmunds.
Pevsner refers to "Rectory Tower, or Bull's Tower. Tall, polygonal, thin, built in 1858 by rector to commemorate his parents" and Scarfe's Shell guide to Essex (1968) says "A slender tower on the ridge commemorates rector Bull's parents, 1858"
