Jezreel's Tower
Jezreels Tower was a prominent unfinished tower at the top of Canterbury Street on Rainham Road/Watling Street,Gillingham which stood for many years.
The Tower was built by a Religious Sect called the Jezreelites which was founded by local Soldier James White,who changed his name to James Jershom Jezreel.The Jezreelites were based on the Christian Israelites and they beleived they would be among the 144,000 saved in the "Final gathering of AD 2000".Members had to give their personal wealth to the sect who then organised a form of communal living for them.James Jezreel controlled the finances and opened shops in the sects name.
Much money was put into building their "Tower to Heaven" which was to be their Headquarters.Work began in 1885 but James Jezreel had died and 3 years later so had his wife who had took over control of the sect.Communal living broke down,funds ran low and the sect declined.An American member of the sect who called himself Prince Michael tried to become the new leader but failed.Eventually he founded his own group called "The New Eveites"
The Tower was never finished and remained standing for many years derelict as a local Landmark.It was finally demolished in 1961.Only easily recognisable associated buildings of the tower in Canterbury Street remain,and a Road named after the Sect nearby.The site of the tower is now owned by Jubilee Clips who have a factory there.
Jezreel's Tower in 1936.
Remaining Jezreelite buildings in Canterbury Street,Gillingham.
