The next in our series of 60 second snippets is about the Millennium Tower. The Tower dominates the skyline of Bury St Edmunds. It can be seen from far and wide, just as the Abbey Tower would have been seen by visitors and pilgrims in medieval times.

But the Tower is relatively new. So what is the story behind it? The Cathedral building, enlarged in the 1960s, was left unfinished with no tower or steeple. Thanks to the Cathedral architect, Stephen Dykes Bower, (who left money in his will), the Millennium Commission and the generosity of many local people, the Tower was completed in 2005.

Click on the audio link to find out more and use the photo gallery to the right (Click on photos to enlarge)

Find out more about the Tower here

Usually we are able to offer tours of the Tower. Of course that is not possible at the moment but we hope that this snippet gives you some insights into the story of the Millennium Tower.

Images

The Cathedral in the 1960s (no tower)

Bricklayers

The Tower in progress – 99 miles of scaffolding

The royal visit to mark the completion of the Tower – July 2005

View from the top over the Abbey Gardens