The fortified structure, which was finished in the 14th century, was used to observe the land south of the town and across River Severn.

A century later the Anglo-Saxons had strengthened the town earthworks with a wide ditch and rampart that was topped with a wooden stockade.

In 1215 Llywelyn ap Iorwerth overran the Anglo-Saxon earthworks and ramparts, sacking and burning Shrewsbury.

The walls, which were 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) thick, were constructed from sandstone; a plinth was built into the base of its outer face and there was an external ditch.

[2] Throughout the late 18th century the remaining parts of Shrewsbury town walls were demolished and the gateways removed.

In the 1860s, it was converted into a dwelling for the coachmen of John Humphreys, who lived opposite the tower in Swan Hill Court.