Monument record MDO7719 - Clavell Tower, Hen Cliff, Kimmeridge

A folly of three storeys above a semi-basement, is circular in plan, of brick and rubble covered with stucco and with ashlar dressings. It was built by the Rev. John Richards in 1820, who assumed the name of Clavell on inheriting Smedmore in 1817. The tower was threatened by coastal erosion and therefore relocated 25m inland in 2006. For the original location of the tower see MWX646.

[NGD note 14-03-23: The following information about the tower predates the towers moving in 2006 to a more secure inland location away from the eroding cliff edge. For the original location of the tower see MWX646.] (SY 90897862) Clavell Tower (NAT) <1> Clavell Tower, a folly of three storeys above a semi-basement, is circular in plan, of brick and rubble covered with stucco and with ashlar dressings. It was built by the Rev. John Richards, who assumed the name of Clavell on inheriting Smedmore in 1817, and died in 1833. <2> Clavell Tower, a folly constructed c.1820. A circular tower of three storeys plus a semi-basement. In rather poor repair. RCHM Monument 2. <3> As described by authorities <1-3>. Clavell Tower is now fenced round and in rather poor condition. The entablature of the colonnade is cracked and broken, half of the parapet has decayed and fallen and the lower windows have recently been given an internal blocking with brick to prevent ingress. Correctly shown on the OS 25" plan. <4>

Record last edited

Mar 14 2023 10:00AM