Cleethorpes Water Tower, c1910

A fine photograph by Edwin Noble (1867–1948) showing the Cleethorpes Water Tower in its early years. The tower, one of the most prominent landmarks in the developing seaside town, dominates the surrounding landscape in this carefully composed image.

Edwin Noble was born in Grimsby on 9th January 1867, the son of fish merchant John Noble and Catherine Noble (née Bromley). By the age of 24 he was established as a photographer, and by 1901 he was running his photographic shop and studio at 233 Freeman Street, Grimsby, where he would continue his business for many years. Although portraiture formed an important part of his work, Noble undertook a wide range of commissions and produced many photographs of the local area.

Noble also had a personal connection with Cleethorpes. In 1892 he married Pollie Swaby, who was born in Cleethorpes in 1867 and was the daughter of fish merchant George William Swaby and Mary Ann Swaby (née Butters).

This photograph is a particularly good example of Noble's work, capturing the architectural detail of the tower and its surrounding landscape with considerable clarity. The figure standing beside the entrance provides a useful indication of the tower's imposing scale. In the background, what appears to be the Figure of Eight amusement ride can also be seen, while the industrial buildings and works nearby may relate to the brickworks that once operated in the vicinity. Together, these details provide an additional glimpse of Cleethorpes as a developing seaside and industrial town.

The tower still stands beside Chapman's Pond today and appears to remain in use as part of Cleethorpes' water-supply system. Its upper section was modified and reduced in height during the 1960s, making Noble's photograph a valuable record of the tower before this alteration.

Photograph by Edwin Noble. From the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum Collection.

Research by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum.

Note: The original photograph is somewhat faded; the image has been carefully darkened to improve clarity and legibility. No historical details have been altered.