Listed Building record MDR10105 - Grinlow Tower (Solomon's Temple), Grin Low, Buxton

Grinlow Tower (Solomon's Temple), Grin Low, Buxton, built c1840. 'The building stands on a barrow which was excavated in 1894 when the tower had been demolished and prior to its reconstruction.' (1) 'Solomon's Temple, or Grin Low Tower, designed by G E Garlick, was built by public subscription and officially opened by Mr Victor Cavendish MP in September 1896. It replaced a tower reputedly built to provide work for the unemployed of Buxton in about 1835. It stands at an altitude of 1440ft on a Bronze Age barrow. In recent times the tower has been repaired and continues to provide a local landmark.' (2) 'Grinlow Tower surmounts Grin Hill. The original tower is traditionally believed to have been built by the sixth Duke of Devonshire to provide work for local unemployed men. It soon became a focal point for tourists and remains popular with visitors today. It was erected in the late 1830s on land then leased for grazing by Solomon Mycock, landlord of the Cheshire Cheese Inn, Buxton, and hence became more popularly known as 'Solomon's Temple'. Having originally been built of unmortared limestone and standing in a very exposed position, it eventually fell down and was rebuilt in its present form by public subscription in 1896. Almost 100 years later the Tower again became unsafe and was repaired in 1987.' (3) From the National Heritage List for England: 'BUXTON SK07SE GRIN LOW ROAD 616-1/2/114 (North side (off)) 07/01/87 Grinlow Tower (Formerly Listed as: OFF GRIN LOW ROAD Soloman's Temple at Grid Ref SK 054 718) II Also known as: Soloman's Temple GRIN LOW ROAD. Folly. 1840 for Samuel Mycock. Rebuilt 1894 and restored in 1987. Rubble limestone, with tooled gritstone dressings. Circular plan. EXTERIOR: 2 storeys. Round headed doorway reached up 4 steps. Impost and sill bands link with 7 round headed openings with keystones. Above blind circular opening over door, 7 further blind openings all round headed and linked by chamfered sill band. Above ashlar courses to eaves, moulded eaves band and battlements. INTERIOR: stone spiral stairs with iron handrail. HISTORY: originally built to provide work for the town's unemployed. Listing NGR: SK0539971743.' (4)