A peculiar landmark overlooking the M5 Midlands' route bears a striking resemblance to something from a Martian invasion. The tower, resembling the menacing Tripod fighting machines from War Of The Worlds, becomes increasingly captivating as it comes into view.
Motorists traveling southbound on the M5 from the Black Country and Birmingham are suddenly confronted with the unusual tower shortly after passing Junction 5. This fleeting glimpse occurs as they enter Worcestershire, and they must be keen-eyed to catch sight of it for less than a minute.
Standing ominously amidst picturesque countryside, onlookers could be forgiven for believing it was constructed to replicate a terrifying sci-fi creation from franchises like Marvel or Star Wars. However, its origins are more historical and pragmatic than that.
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I pursued its trail from Junction 5 of the M5, following winding roads until I arrived at a new housing development in leafy Droitwich. There, nestled in the midst of the estate, stood the solitary, enigmatic monument, towering 110 feet high.
The experience of standing beneath it is profoundly eerie, as it looms over the new residences. Surprisingly, this housing estate has been developed around the structure since 2019, and it even bears the name of the unusual landmark.
Constructed in 1962, the square reinforced concrete building is known as Yew Tree Hill Water Tower. Owned by Severn Trent Water, the tower now supports several dramatic masts protruding from its peak.
Passers-by can approach the landmark at the heart of the new Yew Tree Village, as a path runs alongside its fence. From this vantage point, a bright green door and a series of windows are visible, leading up to its roof.
Within this alien-like structure, a capacity of 150,000 gallons of water can be contained. Additional details of its appearance at close range can be seen in the video below.
Documentation from the British Water Tower Appreciation Society reveals that the construction cost East Worcestershire Waterworks Company £35,000 in 1962, equivalent to approximately £921,000 today.
“The tower, 110 feet high, consists of a square tank supported by 12 slender square-sectioned columns of 81 feet, arranged around the perimeter,” stated a member of the Appreciation Society. “Additionally, there’s a square service shaft that passes up through the tank, forming a penthouse to provide access to the top of the tank.
“Construction was undertaken by Messrs. Currall, Lewis & Martin Ltd., although the designer of this striking water tower remains unknown.”
For those disappointed that it is not from a sci-fi narrative, they may anticipate the return of Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds – Alive on Stage! in Birmingham at Resorts World on April 18, 2025.
Are there other uncanny structures in the Midlands that you believe are noteworthy? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].