Batemans Tower — Local services in Tendring

The previous review related to the nearby Batemans Tower Cafe at the west end of the Promenade Way. The actual tower is said to have been built as a folly by John Bateman in about 1880 for his daughters seaside recuperation from tuberculosis. But it may have also been intended as a lighthouse navigation aid for ships in association with the proposed extension of the port of Brightlingsea, which did not take place. The tower fell into disrepair and it was renovated by the Colne Yacht Club with the aid of National Lottery funding. The now listed building is leaning to one side, possibly due to the lack of solid foundations on the marshland site. The tower, constructed of plastered concrete blocks, was reputedly built on a raft foundation made from...

Nice place 👍👌

Bateman’s Tower is one of the town’s best known landmarks. It’s located at the end of Promenade Way, close to the paddling pool.

Often mistaken for a lighthouse, it’s actually a folly built in 1883 by John Bateman for his daughter to recuperate from consumption. Bateman was Brightlingsea’s first Deputy after the revival of the Cinque Port Liberty in the town and presented the magnificent chain of office that is still in use today. You can read more about him here.

Thanks to its commanding views of the creek, the River Colne and the estuary, the tower was used as an observation post by the Royal Observer Corps during WWII. During this time the roof was removed to make the tower less conspicuous to...

Bateman's Tower is the local landmark unique to Brightlingsea & clearly visible from across the water in Point Clear & East Mersea. The design of the roof has altered over the decades, originally built with a beacon at the top. During WW2 it was used as an observation platform by the Royal Observer Corps for spotting incoming enemy bombers. After the war the roof was added & glazing to the room at the top of the stairs. Bateman's Tower has been incorrectly described as a folly, but a true folly has no actual purpose, but obviously not the case for this building. Nowadays it's a Grade2 listed building & used as a...