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The Grade II* listed Jumbo is the largest remaining Victorian water tower in Britain, and an increasingly rare example of one in an original condition. The tower was nicknamed “Jumbo” after the London Zoo elephant as a term of derision in 1882 by Reverend John Irvine who was annoyed that the tower dwarfed his nearby rectory at St. Mary-at-the-Walls.

Jumbo has been recognised by Historic England as a structure of exceptional architectural and historic interest, and is of great importance both nationally and locally.

Brian Light has for many years worked to preserve Jumbo and in this book he tells the full story of the history of Colchester’s most iconic building.