By The Dock Tower turns 170 years old
Great Grimsby’s Dock Tower turned 170 years old today.
Standing 309 feet (94.2m) tall, the tower was completed in 1852 to power the hydraulic machinery of Grimsby docks.
The Tower was designed by James William Wild who took inspiration from the visual aesthetics of the Torre del Mangia, a tower in Siena, Italy.
Grimsby’s tower is now a grade I listed building, a static icon visible throughout the small fishing town.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for ABP Humber, said: “The Dock Tower is an icon in the landscape and the jewel in the port of Grimsby. It has been a beacon to so many over the years and for Grimbarians it is a symbol of home. As its custodians we have over the years spent time and money maintaining it, as it has such architectural historic value, and will be here for many more years to come.”
The remarkable tower was created from one million bricks, well almost! – The millionth brick was made of glass that used clay from the dock’s basin during its initial construction.
The Dock Tower is said to have survived a powerful earthquake in the early 1930’s that measured around 6.1 on the Richter scale.
Additionally, there had been plans to remove the tower during the Second World War over fears it would attract the attention of German aircraft, but the tower still stands proud today.
To ensure the tower lasts for generations to come, some routine maintenance work is being carried out this spring before it can be reopened.
It is hoped the Dock Tower will be open for charitable fundraising activities and public tours by 2023.
Grimsby’s Dock Tower is a beautiful, intricate Grimbarian artefact that has been cemented in local legend for decades, with hopefully many more to come.
Happy 170th birthday to the Dock Tower! Grimsby’s very own Statue of Liberty.
