Urban legend states that infamous Melbourne biker and gangster, 'Chopper' Read buried a body at the bottom of the Shot Tower, although this remains unproven.

By the time the lead droplets reached the bottom, they would have cooled and hardened into perfectly spherical shot pellets.

Sir Neil Cossons, founder of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and former chairman of English Heritage, has verified the importance of the Clifton Hill Shot Tower.

Cossons, recognised as the leading authority on industrial heritage in Britain, has provided extensive guidance on conservation and management both in the UK and internationally.

On 1 May 2010, during his visit to Melbourne to explore various industrial sites, he personally inspected the Clifton Hill shot tower.