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42.2765° N 71.8158° W - Bancroft Tower Rd., Salisbury Park
Brief History
The miniature feudal-like castle stands proudly upon Bancroft Hill/Prospect Hill in Salisbury Park. The 56-foot high structure was built in 1900 and was named after George Bancroft, a Worcester native who was the former Secretary of the Navy, a historian and a diplomat. It was built by Stephen Salisbury III who wanted the structure built to honor his father's childhood friend. Salisbury is remembered as a gentlemen with no wife or heirs who spent his money on many random things, such as this structure. The actual tower is occasionally opened to the public and, when it is, visitors can climb the stairs and peer out the barred windows seen from the outside. The park surrounding the hill is known for being a great place to hike and walk. It includes segments of the East-West Trail and provides visitors with a stunning, unique view of the city.
Architecture
Made of cobblestone rocks and granite, the structure was not built in the 1400s as the Romanesque architecture style would make onlookers think. It was designed by the well-known architect Stephen Earle and built for around $15,000. Salisbury, along with this structure, built two other similar structures that have not stood the test of time. After his death, the Tower was given to the Worcester Art Museum who donated it to the Worcester Parks Department to maintain it.
Sources:
https://www.wbjournal.com/article/the-central-mass-architecture-tour
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