JUMBO WATER TOWER: A COLOSSUS IN COLCHESTER
Ever wondered what lurks beyond the high street shops in Colchester? Look up! Towering over the town centre is the magnificent Jumbo Water Tower, a hidden gem waiting to be explored. So, ditch the shopping bags for a moment and join me on a journey to discover the wonder that is the Jumbo Water Tower!
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A BREATHTAKING ENCOUNTER WITH THE JUMBO WATER TOWER
The first glimpse of the Jumbo Water Tower up close had me excitedly screeching to my partner, “I knew the water tower was big, BUT LOOK AT THE SIZE OF IT”. Towering over Colchester’s town centre, this imposing Grade II listed structure is even more awe-inspiring in person. Pictures don’t quite capture the sheer scale of it. It dwarfs nearby buildings, its red brick facade dominating the skyline.
One of my favourite views of the the Jumbo Water Tower is through the Balkerne Gate, a part of Colchester’s Roman Wall. You can read more about the Roman Wall walk on my blog WALK COLCHESTER’S ROMAN WALL: 2,000 Years Strong.
A VITAL PIECE OF COLCHESTER’S HISTORY
Jumbo wasn’t just built to impress. Following a spate of local fires and public health concerns, the tower ensured a constant water supply and fire protection for the town. Construction began in 1882, using a staggering 1.2 million bricks! This giant stands at 40.05 metres tall and could hold a whopping 230,000 gallons of water, weighing a colossal 1,000 tons. Jumbo officially opened in 1884 and served Colchester faithfully until the early 1980s.
A CLOSER LOOK: UNVEILING THE ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS OF THE JUMBO WATER TOWER
Here is some snippet of information taken from Historic England that may be of interest:
Architect: Charles Clegg, Borough Surveyor and Engineer
Style: Romanesque Revival, inspired by nearby Colchester’s Grade I listed Roman ruins
Materials: Red brick with cast iron water tank
Height: Approximately 110 feet (40 metres)
Details:
- Square plan with four corner piers featuring flared bases and pilasters with decorative capitals.
- Flying buttresses connect the piers and channel water pipes internally.
- Tall rounded arches with molded architrave adorn each side.
- Brackets link the pilaster capitals, with a second course supporting the cast iron water tank.
- A copper pyramid roof with a lantern and weather vane crowns the tower.
- A decorative cast iron spiral staircase adds a unique touch within the roof structure.
- The central service pier boasts a flared base and an arched entrance with a deep, molded terra cotta surround.
- A terra cotta plaque above the entrance reads “WATER TOWER 1882”.
- Small, arched openings provide ventilation on each floor of the core tower, with some blinded-off for aesthetics.
- A stone dedication plaque proclaims: “BALKAN WATER TOWER This edifice was dedicated to the public use on the 27th date of September 1883”.
- Originally known as The Balkerne Water Tower, but commonly known as ‘Jumbo’.
For a deeper dive into the history of the colossal Jumbo Water Tower, head over to its dedicated website.
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Originally a vital part of Colchester’s water infrastructure, Jumbo Water Tower does not quench thirsts anymore. However, efforts are underway by North Essex Heritage to restore this Victorian marvel and give it a new lease on life.
It’s important to note, however, that in the meantime, guided tours raise funds for The Jumbo Project, which take you on a journey up the steep spiral staircase to visit the Engineer’s Room and water tank. Check out the Jumbo Tower Tours website for the most up-to-date information – once restoration starts these tours will be limited, and they’re also limited during the resident peregrine falcons nesting season.
JUMBO’S LEGACY: A CALL TO EXPLORE OUR ARCHITECTUAL ODDITIES
The more I write blogs, the more I realise I have a soft spot for all things architecture. Square shapes? Love them! Spiral staircases? Absolutely! Grand archways? Yes, please! And water towers? Blimey, the Jumbo Water Tower has it all!
Speaking of architectural oddities, while its original purpose may have shifted, the Jumbo Water Tower’s imposing presence continues to dominate the Colchester skyline, a testament to a bygone era.
Do you have a favourite architectural oddity in your town? Share it in the comments below!
THINGS TO DO IN COLCHESTER
Looking for more things to do in Colchester? Why not head over to our blog THINGS TO DO IN COLCHESTER: 9 Reasons to add it to your travel list and discover more.