Canterbury in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Water Tower Garden
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 30, 2026
1. The Water Tower Garden Marker
Jesus said 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink'
This garden is named after the octagonal, two-storey Water Tower built c.1160. Inside the tower was a large tank for distributing water to various other buildings, and an ornate fountain and wash basin.
The Water Tower was part of an impressive system, which brought water from over one kilometre away. Approximately 10,000 litres of water were supplied to the priory every hour, and the Cathedral's flow of fresh and filtered water was much admired. Indeed, the amenities in the Guesthouse - which was for wealthy visitors, such as the gentry - were considered to exceed all those known elsewhere in England.
The tower can be seen on a waterworks plan from c.1165. In glorious detail, it shows colour-coded pipes, using green for fresh water and brown for rainwater. This plan can be found in a book called the Eadwine Psalter, created at Canterbury Cathedral and now held at Trinity College, Cambridge.
Erected by Canterbury Cathedral.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1160.
Location. 51° 16.811′ N, 1° 4.997′ E. Marker is in Canterbury
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Infirmary Ruins (within shouting distance of this marker); The Canterbury War Horse (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Plane Tree (about 120 meters away); The Buffs (about 120 meters away); George Robert Canning (about 150 meters away); Kent World War I Memorial (about 150 meters away); Canterbury War Memorial (about 180 meters away); The Thomas Ingoldsby (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canterbury.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 30, 2026
2. The Water Tower Garden Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
