Cheese Lane Shot Tower, Bristol
Just published - a 24 page tabloid with a selection of photos and accompanying text of my favourite brutalist buildings in Bristol.
A striking brutalist landmark on the banks of Bristol’s Floating Harbour
The 43m high Cheese Lane Shot Tower, or Sheldon Bush Lead Shot Tower, was designed by E.N.Underwood & Partners in 1968-69. It is one of only three left in the UK. Manufacturing ceased in 1994 and it was Grade II listed in 1995 - saving it from proposed demolition.
It replaced the first ever lead shot tower which was situated 500m away on Redcliff Hill. It was designed by William Watts, who invented the tower process for the manufacture of lead shot in1782, and was demolished as part of a road widening scheme in the 1960s.
It is now used as offices and, after years of depositing lead residue into the Avon, it had an eco-makeover in 2024. was lucky enough to take a lift to the top of the tower and look out from the 12 sided boardroom across the city.
It is perhaps the most unique looking building in Bristol. A striking landmark amongst the modern boxes on the banks of the Floating Harbour. It could be an airport control tower.
