the original tower was built in 1782, in the bristol suburb of redcliffe, by william watts, who is credited with the invention of the tower process for the manufacture of lead shot. it was the progenitor of many similar towers built around the world, and survived various changes of ownership until it was taken over by the sheldon bush and patent shot company limited in 1868. it continued in use under their ownership until 1968, when it was demolished as part of a road widening scheme.