Latitude: 52.9693 / 52°58'9"N
Longitude: -3.0664 / 3°3'58"W
OS Eastings: 328479
OS Northings: 341854
OS Grid: SJ284418
Mapcode National: GBR 72.JZM6
Mapcode Global: WH785.WM0K
Plus Code: 9C4RXW9M+PC
Entry Name: Waterloo Tower including outwork walls
Listing Date: 30 April 1996
Last Amended: 30 April 1996
Grade: II
Source: Cadw
Source ID: 16874
Building Class: Commemorative
ID on this website: 300016874
Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, Fifth Baronet of Wynnstay undertook a series of improvements in the park at Wynnstay in the early C19. As part of this programme, the tower was built c1815-20 to commemorate the battle of Waterloo. It was designed as a viewing point and lodge serving a drive (now lost) cut through rock immediately W of the tower. It is probably the work of Benjamin Gummow, architect, of Wrexham.
Asymmetrically composed for picturesque effect, comprising accommodation in 2 blocks, the tower itself at the outer (SE) angle of the main block, with flanking outworks to N and S. Random rubble with freestone dressings. Tower has square base with plinth, and slender tapering octagonal upper stages, over a moulded string course which continues the line of the cornice of the accommodation blocks. Scallop moulding to machicolated and embattled parapet. Narrow doorway in re-entrant angle with main accommodation block, and 'arrow-loop' windows in S elevation. Main accommodation block is 3-storeyed (1st floor lit only from the S side), with small-paned cast-iron windows with drop-ended hood moulds. First floor emphasised by a larger, 3-light window which has segmentally arched lights. Similar window to ground floor of lower block canted out slightly to the right: this has small 2-light window to first floor, inserted or renewed doorway in its N return elevation, with simpler small-paned iron windows of 2 and 4-lights alongside. Both blocks have embattled parapets above moulded cornice.
Outwork walls flank the tower to N and S: random rubble with free-stone embattling. The S length incorporates a 'mock turret' canted out from the line of the wall.
The interior retains some original decorative work, notably a fine lierne-vaulted ceiling in the upper room of the main block.
Listed as a striking feature of the park at Wynnstay - a good example of the use of the gothic style for picturesque effect to suggest and enhance the sublime qualities of its rocky site.
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