The tower was not used as a viewing platform as it housed the rainwater header tank. This tank was only removed in the 1970s.
Views from the Tower
The three level tower was added during a period of substantial change at Rippon Lea in the period of 1882-1889. A steep staircase in the second floor tower bathroom provides access to the tower platform.
The tower features polychromatic brickwork, arched openings and arcading in keeping with the style of the original building construction of 1868.
The first recorded appearance of the complete tower is in a family photograph taken in 1889.
Works completed during the period of 1882-1889 consisted of the addition of a floor to the rear wing, alterations to the ground floor of the rear wing and consequent changes to the kitchen and basement, the construction of the tower and the reconstruction of the south west front.
As can be seen in this video, Rippon Lea as it exists has been built around the 1868 hip roofed house. The tower, added to the south of the original house, displays elaborate wrought iron finials and rather pinched triple arch arrangements.
Rippon Lea was the last example of an outstanding group of polychrome brick buildings designed by Joseph Reed between 1864 and 1868 and is the finest extant domestic application.
More remarkable than the design of the original 1868 house was the consistent application, over three decades and by two different architectural firms, of the same architectural vocabulary, derived from the medieval architecture of northern Italy, and in particular the Lombardic Romanesque.
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Of National heritage significance, Rippon Lea is a grand 19th century mansion complete with a Victorian garden to explore, heritage orchard, lake, childrens playground, fernery and grotto.
