Bude’s Iconic Storm Tower: A Journey from Peril to Preservation

On Tuesday 26th March, Bude witnessed the successful culmination of an extraordinary project to protect one of its most iconic landmarks from the threat of coastal erosion. The Bude community came together at Compass Point, united in celebration as the extensive efforts to preserve the tower came to a close.

In a ceremony that fittingly honoured Cornish heritage, the tower, now meticulously conserved, was revealed from behind a grand St Piran’s flag. Despite its pristine appearance, the tower’s familiar shape has been carefully rebuilt 100 metres inland using the original stones, securing a new vantage point where it stands proudly on the skyline above Summerleaze Beach.

The project was supported by a £300,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

“It’s fantastic to see the Storm Tower standing strong in its new location,” remarked Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund. “This structure is an iconic part of Bude’s heritage which was at risk of being lost forever. It has now been saved with an amazing collective effort which was led by the community. We’re proud to have been able to play a part in supporting the project thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Fundraising played a crucial role in the success of the project. Remarkably, the community rallied together through a Crowdfunder campaign, raising an impressive £60,000 in just 56 days. Alongside the significant financial support received from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, an additional £50,000 came from Cornwall Council. This collective financial support and community backing were indispensable in making the project a reality.

After reflecting on the significance of the tower’s relocation, Mike Dawe, Mayor for Bude-Stratton Town Council (BSTC) expressed his sentiments stating “As Mayor, witnessing the completion of this project fills me with pride. It’s a testament to our community’s dedication and the teamwork of many organisations. The tower’s relocation ensures it remains a cherished part of our town’s heritage. I’m thrilled to see it continue to stand proudly as a symbol of Bude.“

The tower’s remarkable history and the collective effort to save it were symbolised by the presence of members from Bude’s RNLI and Coastguard teams, alongside all the dedicated project team who turned the seemingly impossible into reality. Special recognition was extended to Sally Strachey Historic Conservation, Trevor Humphreys Associates, Richard Gowan Consulting, Studio Arc, Cornwall Archaeological Unit, and the BSTC project manager, all of whom were commended for their steadfast dedication and exceptional commitment to the project.

As the project manager overseeing the intricate operations, Francesca Churchill-Zerilli reflected on the collaborative effort and expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in this project. It’s been a true team effort, and seeing the tower preserved for future generations is immensely rewarding. I’m proud to have played a part in this important endeavour.”

Since the project commenced in May 2023, the community has closely followed the meticulous process of dismantling the tower stone by stone, witnessing a race against time to rescue it from the looming threat of coastal erosion. The tower, left teetering precariously on the cliff edge due to the relentless forces of coastal erosion, served as a stark demonstration of the profound impact of climate change. As one of the key figures representing the community from the project’s inception, Councillor Peter La Broy shared his reflections on the project’s significance, stating, “When the initial conversations began in 2019, we had little hope that the Storm Tower could be saved. The ownership of the building was unclear, funding was non-existent, and we soon discovered the structure is Grade II Listed, situated on a Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

It became apparent that securing further funding and permissions would hinge on our ability to demonstrate public interest and support. We launched a Crowdfunder with a modest target of £20,000 and were astounded when our community (and beyond) exceeded our expectations, raising £60,000. This tremendous support provided us with a powerful basis to approach other funders who, recognising the deep affection for our Storm Tower, offered their backing and financial support to make the project feasible. 

The Storm Tower is such an iconic feature on our Cornish coastline, now securely preserved for many future generations. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who contributed to the project. You know who you are; I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you.”

The tower was first designed by architect George Wightwick for Sir Thomas Acland in 1835, drawing inspiration from the Temple of the Winds in Athens. By 1881, it had fallen into disrepair and was moved away from the cliff edge for the first time. This move altered its precise orientation to the compass points, realigning it instead to maintain a crucial sightline for the Coastguard Station. After a public consultation, the decision was made to preserve this orientation during the 2023 relocation, rather than correcting it.

The Storm Tower at Compass Point holds a special place in the community. To both residents and visitors its presence is a comforting and familiar part of Bude’s landscape, symbolising the town’s heritage. It stands not just as a historical monument, but as a cherished landmark.