Booker's Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Booker's Tower |
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| Type | Tower |
| Location | The Mount, Guildford |
| OS grid reference | SU 99141 48839 |
| Area | Surrey |
| Built | 1839 |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic |
| Owner | Guildford Borough Council |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name: Bookers Tower Guildford | |
| Designated | 15 March 1988 |
| Reference no. | 1188100 |
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Bookers Tower is a special four-storey tower in Guildford, Surrey. It was built a long time ago, in the 19th century. The tower has a unique look, called the Gothic style. You can find it near Beech Lane, right behind the Mount Cemetery. This cemetery is also famous as the resting place of Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland!
This tower is considered a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical structure that needs to be protected.
Contents
Discovering Bookers Tower's History
Bookers Tower stands on high ground to the west of Guildford town centre. It has a fascinating story behind its creation.
Why Was Bookers Tower Built?
The tower was built in 1839 by Charles Booker. He was the mayor of Guildford at that time. Charles Booker wanted to remember his two sons, Charles and Henry. Sadly, both of them passed away when they were only 15 years old. The tower was a way to honor their memory.
A Tower of Many Uses
Over the years, Bookers Tower has played different roles.
- A Royal Celebration: In 1840, the tower was used to celebrate something very special. It marked the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert.
- A Scientist's Lab: Later, a Victorian scientist named John Rand Capron used the tower. He conducted exciting experiments there, especially ones involving lightning!
- A Wartime Watchpoint: During World War II, the tower had another important job. It became an observation post for air raids. People would watch from the tower for enemy planes.
Can You Visit Bookers Tower?
Even though Bookers Tower has a rich history, it is not open to the public. You can admire it from the outside, but you can't go inside.
