Tilehurst Water Tower, is a distinctive water tower in Tilehurst, a suburb of the English town of Reading. People from Reading know they are near home when they are coming eastbound along the M4 and they can see the top of the tower. Although in recent years with the growth of trees this has become more difficult. It is a prominent landmark in the vicinity and, located on the Tilehurst ridge line, can be seen from a considerable distance, especially when approaching Reading from the west along the M4 motorway.[1]

Tilehurst Water Tower
Tilehurst Water Tower
Tilehurst Water Tower is located in Reading, Berkshire
Tilehurst Water Tower
Location within Reading
Alternative namesPark Lane Water Tower
General information
TypeWater tower
LocationTilehurst, Reading, Berkshire
Coordinates51°27′5.76″N 1°2′49.56″W / 51.4516000°N 1.0471000°W / 51.4516000; -1.0471000
Completed1932

The tower was erected by Reading Borough Council in 1932, in order to supplement the existing Bath Road Reservoir and supply water to properties at a higher level than the earlier water tower there. Today the tower belongs to Thames Water, and is still in use for its original purpose. It also houses the transmitter for Greatest Hits Radio Berkshire & North Hampshire, a local radio station.[1][2][3][4]

Remembrance Day 2018

In November 2018 the tower was illuminated in poppy red to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. The tower remained illuminated, and visible at night from a wide area, until Remembrance Day on 11 November.[5]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Tilehurst". Berkshire Family History Society. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  2. ^ "The Poor's Lands Charity, Tilehurst, Berkshire. A History" (PDF). The Trustees of the Poor’s Lands Charity. 2009. p. 53. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  3. ^ "Historic Buildings Report - The Water Tower, Bath Road, Reading, Berks" (PDF). CGMS Consulting. July 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2011.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Second break-in at radio station". Get Surrey. S&B Media. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  5. ^ Canning, Tom (9 November 2018). "Reading landmark lit up to mark Remembrance Sunday". Retrieved 15 November 2018.

External links edit

  Media related to Tilehurst Water Tower at Wikimedia Commons