Link to printer-friendly page

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

HER Number:TR 15 NE 1295
Type of record:Monument
Name:S. W. Tower (St. Dunstan's), Christchurch Cathedral

Summary

The South West Tower of the Cathedral was re- built by Thomas Mapilton between 1424 and 1434 in Perpendicular style, the work being initiated by the building of a fine south-west porch with a small chamber above.

Grid Reference:TR 1502 5792
Map Sheet:TR15NE
Parish:CANTERBURY, CANTERBURY, KENT

Monument Types

  • TOWER (Medieval - 1424 AD to 1434 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

The original Lanfranc's Nave was demolished in 1377, leaving the two west towers. The South West Tower of the Cathedral was re- built by Thomas Mapilton between 1424 and 1434 in Perpendicular style, the work being initiated by the building of a fine south-west porch with a small chamber above. It appears to have been designed so as to match the height of the Norman North West Tower and as such is not especially tall. Internally the piers are the work of Henry Yevele c. 1400 and Mapilton built the south and west outer walls with slight changes in the base mouldings. The tower has concave-sided gablets, panelled buttresses, and ogee window labels. Archbishop Chichele was the patron on the work. The Bell called 'Dunstan' was installed in the tower in 1459, hence the St. Dunstan's name connection.


John Newman, 1969, The Buildings of England: North East and East Kent (Monograph). SKE7874.

Blockley, K., Sparks, M. & Tatton-Brown, T., 1997, Canterbury Cathedral Nave, Archaeology, History and Architecture (Monograph). SKE29723.

Sources and further reading

Cross-ref. Source description
---Monograph: Blockley, K., Sparks, M. & Tatton-Brown, T.. 1997. Canterbury Cathedral Nave, Archaeology, History and Architecture.
---Monograph: John Newman. 1969. The Buildings of England: North East and East Kent.