[2][3] Built on high ground to the west of Guildford town centre, it was commissioned by the then Mayor of Guildford, Charles Booker in memory of his sons, Charles and Henry, who had both died at the age of 15.

The structure was completed in 1839 and was constructed by a local builder, John Mason, in Bargate stone with ashlar and brick dressings.

[1][4] At the opening celebration in 1840, the tower was dedicated to mark the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert.

Booker subsequently entertained friends at the tower and invited guests to view the construction of the railway lines to Woking and Guildford from the top.

[4] In later years Bookers Tower was used by the Victorian scientist and Guildford resident, John Rand Capron, to observe astronomical phenomena.