A POPULAR historic landmark in Upton-upon-Severn has been restored to its former glory.
The Pepperpot, on Church Street next to Upton Tourist Information Centre, has undergone a renovation to strip the paint to reveal the original brickwork beneath and reflect the feel of the original tower.
Work on the Grade II listed landmark took place over six weeks during lockdown to carefully remove the paint from the walls, repair and stabilise any cast iron objects, and carry out repointing works.
The landmark houses the Heritage Centre which provides a timeline around the tower through information boards and artefacts from Upton-upon-Severn’s past.
Attached to the tower is the home of Upton Tourist Information Centre, offering a range of leaflets covering local attractions, gifts and souvenirs.
The Pepperpot’s name came from the shape of the tower with its hexagonal lantern and copper cupola (the structure at the top).
It was originally part of a church and the main body of the tower is believed to be 14th century, although its base is thought to date back to the 13th.
Over the years, history has brought many changes to the Pepperpot tower and considerable damage was done during the English Civil War.
In 1770, the spire of the old tower was considered unsafe and was replaced with a wooded hexagonal lantern and lead cupola, designed by Midlands architect Anthony Keck.
By the 19th century, the church had become too small and a replacement church was built at the other end of the town.
The old church was dismantled in 1937 and the churchyard laid out as a garden, tended by the Upton in Bloom team.
In 1953, the remaining Pepperpot tower was declared an Ancient Monument.
Victoria Carman, Malvern Hills District Council’s visitor economy officer, said: “It is wonderful to see one of Upton-upon-Severn’s most iconic landmarks lovingly restored to its original state.
“The Pepperpot has long been, and will continue to be, an important part of the town’s history.”
Click here for more information.
