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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.
External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.
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