Built in 1970 for the British Telecom microwave network, it is now used to transmit radio and provide mobile phone coverage.

The tower is located on a hill, Purdown, in Stoke Park in the Lockleaze suburb, about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of the city centre.

The tower is recorded as a Valued Landmark by Bristol City Council,[1] and it has been featured in locally-produced media, such as the opening sequence of TV series Skins (2008).

As of 2022, the tower remains in the ownership of BT, with space leased to various companies for broadcast and mobile communications infrastructure.

In her video for the song "Heels", British musician Billy Nomates (Tor Maries) repeatedly dances with the tower in the background.