St Michael's Tower

History

Built in 1465 the tower stands at the cross where all four of the Gate streets meet (North, East, South and West -gate Street) and is the highest point of Gloucester city. It was built on the nave of the previous church, St Michael the Archangel. Since the 12th century there had been a church on the site and Roman remains were found under the tower. The church was later demolished and the tower left standing in the 1840's, the new church, St Michaels Church was later built in 1851 and only closed down in 1940. Again, in 1956 the church was demolished and the tower left.

The tower has be made of use in various ways since the demolishment of the church. From 1976 - 1981 the upper floors of the tower was used as a bell museum, after from 1985 - 1998 the tower was used as a tourist information centre and at one time the ground floor was a beautiful open walkway between Eastgate and Southgate Street until it fell into disrepair and was used as storage by the Gloucester City Council.

Shortly in 2009 the Gloucester City Council leased the tower to the Gloucester Civic Trust. Immediately in 2010 the tower was restored for the total cost of over £300,000.00, with gernerous donatations from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.

Now the tower stands proud at the Head Quaters for the Gloucester Civic Trust. Their aim is to create 'A Tower of Learning' dedicated to the vast history of Gloucester. Later in 2011 the civic trust started a campaign to reinstall the bell in the tower. In 2012 the bell was installed after more than 50 years since the originals were taken down.