Was it a main gate of a castle entrance? or the remnants of a feudal castle? simply a mini castle? or perhaps a protective tower in Medieval Times?
Located in Salisbury Park, Bancroft Tower overlooks the city of Worcester in a majestic manner. The structure was built in 1900 and it features a 56-foot tower made of boulders, cobblestones and granite transported by horses’ carriages during the construction time. Inside the Tower, there are spiral staircases, two fireplace chambers and bulwarks.
Bancroft Tower honors George Bancroft, a Worcester native born at the very end of Salisbury Park street. He was a politician, a writer, a historian; one of his masterpieces is the “History of the United States, from the Discovery of the American Continent” but mostly recognized as a US Navy pioneer and founder of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1845. The construction was commissioned by Stephen Salisbury III whose father was best pal with George Bancroft.
Stephen Salisbury III was the official owner of the property and upon his death, the Tower changed ownership to the Worcester Museum of Art and later on in 1912, to the City of Worcester. The City conditioned the area surrounded the property and the park just open to the public in 1980.
Unfortunately, neighbors reported illicit activities taken place and the park was closed during some time of turbulence but eventually opened back to the public in 2014.
Nobody knows with certainty why Stephen decided to erect the Tower; perhaps an excuse to use the family’s funds? or maybe it was Stephen’s father request? In any case, the plaque on the ground offers a general explanation of the reason behind that.
No matter the intent, The Tower is intriguing, mysterious and whimsical with one of the best views of Worcester City and bordered by hiking trails.
Today, visitors can enjoy this feudal touch in the city which hosts events specially during Halloween. The highlight is the 360-degree view of Worcester City atop of the Tower. Undoubtedly the Tower has inspired past generations and will continue to do so.
Also, if visiting historic places is in your bucket list; on March 1980, the Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Note: The park is currently closed until further notice due to COVID-19. I visited this place several times prior to this temporary closure.
