The first town walls were built between 1100 and 1135, under the 3rd Norman Earl of Shrewsbury, Robert de Belesme. The Norman walls were superseded by a 'great wall' built by Henry II in 1220-1252. The third phase of wall building took place from 1272-1307 under Edward I and II, and it is likely from this period that the Town Wall Tower dates.
The entire street of Town Walls, on which the Tower stands, is set upon the course of the medieval walls.
The tower is owned by the National Trust, but is let to a tenant and can be visited only by written appointment with the current tenant.