The Tower
The Tower is an iconic landmark on top of the beautiful Cotswolds escarpment. It was the brainchild of the great 18thcentury landscape designer, Capabilty Brown. His vision was carried out for George William 6th Earl of Coventry, who lived 15 miles away at Croome Court, with the help of renowned architect James Wyatt and completed in 1798. It stands at 1,047 feet above sea level and 13 counties can be seen from it.
The location for the Tower was wisely chosen, a dramatic outlook on a pre-medieval trading route and beacon hill. James Wyatt designed his “Saxon Tower” as an eccentric amalgamation of architectural components ranging from turrets, battlements and gargoyles to balconies.
Throughout the centuries, the Tower has always inspired and with this inspiration came a large number of uses. Sir Thomas Phillips, who was perhaps the greatest collector of manuscripts and books in history, housed his printing press at the Tower.
Arts & Crafts
Members of the Arts and Crafts movement used the Tower as a country holiday retreat. Frequent visitors included pre-raphjaelite artists, William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones. William Morris started his campaign for the preservation of historic monuments whilst staying at the Tower.
The Tower has also been home to a series of hardy tenant farmers.
Today, you will find the Tower houses exhibitions on three floors about the history of its colourful past. You are able to view examples of the work of William Morris, understand the link between the Tower and the arts and crafts movements before ascending to an exhibition of the Royal Observer Corps.
Continue your climb to the top of the Tower, where breath taking views span up to 16 counties and you can view our resident herd of red deer from above.
Why not become a member of Broadway Tower?
Support the preservation of this Cotswold destination by becoming a member of Broadway Tower with one of our annual memberships. Broadway Tower and the surrounding estate are privately owned and managed, thanks to your membership we are able to protect the site for future generations, allowing them to make special memories.
You may want to make a gift of our annual membership. Gift someone special to you, the chance of making special memories by visiting The Tower again and again. Your annual membership includes twelve months complimentary access to The Tower, a 10% discount on purchases at Tower Barn and Morris and Brown, as well as a carparking pass. Annual membership can be taken for a child, adult or a family.
The Deer Herd at Broadway Tower
Our resident herd of red deer were established by Annette’s father in the early to mid-eighties.
‘William’ is our stag and is named after William Morris. He is very majestic with impressive branched alters. There are around eighteen hinds with further youngsters making up the herd. Calves are generally born during the months of June and July. They do not join the herd straight away so you may see a calf in a hiding place.
Our red deer stand proud and tall, and love nothing more than to feature in a photo or two.
Lewis Potter, lovingly looks after the herd and has done so for about ten years. Lewis is a recognised authority on deer husbandry and preservation. Furthermore, he is an accomplished gunsmith and expert in black powder fire arms. He has published numerous books and expert articles on the matter and is prepared to share his knowledge on deer and wildlife protection with our visitors.
Look out for the 2019 dates for a unique opportunity to meet the Broadway Tower herd of red deer under the expert guidance of, Lewis Potter.