9 Local History

Local History

Judge Peterson and his Tower.

Andrew Thomas Turton Peterson has left an enduring legacy in our area in the form of the building that is known today as Sway Tower. In the immediate aftermath of its construction, it was known either as Peterson’s Tower or Arnewood Tower as it was built in the manor of Arnewood. So, who was Andrew Peterson and why did he build the structure some have called ‘Peterson’s Folly’? Andrew Peterson was born in Wakefield, Yorkshire in 1813. His family were very well off. His father died when Andrew was young and he was cared for and educated by both his grandfather, Sir Thomas Turton, and his great uncle the Reverend John Michele. At the age of thirteen, Peterson was sent off to boarding school. He was extremely unhappy in this environment and so he ran away to sea. Ill health eventually forced his return home.

Arnewood Tower on the left. The main tower further along Barrows Lane With his grandfather’s assistance, Peterson was able to gain admission to Cambridge University in 1836 where he studied law. He was called to the Bar in 1843 and became a barrister. Peterson married Charlotte Myers in 1838 and they lived in Dulwich. They went on to have a daughter Anna, who was born in 1841. Five years later the family moved to India where Peterson became established as a barrister in the High Court of Calcutta. Peterson made his fortune practicing law in India. He was however, a man with a strong sense of justice and often fought to support the underdog. Peterson went on to become an acting judge in the High Court of Calcutta. At the age of fifty-five, Peterson decided to retire from the Indian legal profession and move back to England. He had amassed a fortune and would be financially secure for the rest of his life. In about 1868 he bought Drumduan Estate situated in Barrows Lane in Hordle Parish. It consisted of a small house and 123 acres. Here, he set about enjoying his two passions, farming and building. Whilst in India Peterson had made a study of architecture and building. He also became interested in the use of concrete as a material. Peterson started to build a large home almost entirely out of concrete. He also built farm buildings and outhouses, even revetting the ditches using the same material. It was here that Peterson constructed his first tower. He went on to rename his property Arnewood Towers. In 1872 Peterson met Mrs Mary Ann Girling the leader of the Shakers religious sect. They were for many years resident in Vaggs Lane. It was through Mrs Girling that Peterson became interested in spiritualism. He eventually met a medium called William Lawrence, who had just been released from prison after serving three months for fraud. Peterson believed that, through 8 To advertise call: 01425 629841 or email gary@princepublications.co.uk

Lawrence, he had been contacted by the architect Sir Christopher Wren who urged him to build a tall tower. Peterson decided the tower would be a protype for others and also become a mausoleum for himself and his wife. At this time during the 1870s there was an agricultural depression with many labourers in the area unemployed. Peterson employed these men to do the building work for him. He paid above the average wage and took care to ensure that he took on those who were unemployed in the local area. Building work commenced in 1879. The building was designed by Peterson and was constructed of concrete that was poured into three wooden formers or frames which were bolted together. The concrete was rammed and allowed to set before the lower frame was removed and raised up on top of the other two formers for the next pouring. Windows, cornices and specialist blocks for pillars and steps were cast in wooden moulds and allowed to harden. They were then lifted into place. As the tower grew in height a wooden derrick was placed at the top. Iron rods were inserted at the places where the floors were to be cast. A rope and pulley system, powered by a horse was used to hoist concrete and other building materials up. Peterson was concerned that the tower would not be strong enough to stand up to high winds. He consulted renowned London based civil engineer Rollo Massy who had been born and brought up in Barrows Lane. Massey calculated that the building was strong enough to withstand wind pressure of 55lb per square foot. Peterson wrote out detailed instructions and a timetable for each days work. He kept these in an ‘Order Book’ detailing his thoughts and ideas on how the building should be constructed. Peterson recorded in May 1883 “I am afraid that this book if read at all is chucked aside and nothing thought of it” . Despite problems with the supply of gravel by 1885 the tower was completed. It is 218 feet in height and is the tallest non-reinforced concrete structure in the world. The spiral staircase, with 330 steps links thirteen storeys.

The tower was topped off with a cupola room which Peterson wanted to house a light. This was forbidden by the Admiralty as it might be a hazard to shipping. The tower cost £30,000 to build, which is worth about £4 million today. Andrew Peterson died in 1906 and his ashes were placed in an urn in a vault beneath the tower before being later interred in the family grave in Sway Churchyard. The tower remained in the Peterson family possession until 1957. It was sold. In the great storm of 1987, it suffered some damage and needed repair and strengthening. In 1991 it was opened up as a bed and breakfast and restaurant business. The business closed by 1995. The tower is a grade two listed building. Andrew Peterson, a true English eccentric, has left his mark on the local landscape with the concrete house and farm buildings but the great tower will ensure his name lives on.

The view from the top looking down onto Arnewood Towers Peterson family memorial in St Lukes Church Sway

Nick Saunders Nick Saunders is a local historian who would be pleased to hear from any reader who has information relating to local history. In addition he would be interested to see any postcards or photographs of our district. Tel: 01425 618549 Please mention this magazine when contacting any of our advertisers 9

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