Howtel Tower |
| Hob Uid: 1194 | |
Location :
Northumberland
Kilham
|
| Grid Ref : NT8978034130 |
| Summary : The ruins of a 15th century pele which now forms part of a farm complex and is surrounded on three sides by farm buildings. The tower is rectangular in shape and measures 10.4 metres by 9.6 metres externally with walls which at basement level vary between 2.05 metres and 2.2 metres thick. The tower had at least three floors. All four walls are relatively intact up to a level slightly above the former first floor. Above this, only the south east wall survives to a total height of 11 metres. The north west, north east and south west walls are constructed of a dark igneous rock. The south or front wall is faced with roughly coursed and squared blocks of sandstone. The tower is recorded in 1541 as partially standing after destruction by James IV of Scotland in 1496. It was partly repaired after 1584, but probably finally fell out of use in the 17th century. |
More information : [NT 89803412] Peel [G.T.] (1)
Probably 15th c. The south wall is the only one standing to nearly full height. (2)
Remains of a tower correctly described, and in fair condition. See GP AO 55/258/6. There are no associated earthworks. (3)
NT 898 341. Howtel pele tower. Scheduled No ND/72. (4,5)
In 1584 Christopher Dacre called it a `very small thing', but thought it worth repairing to annoy the enmy. However, the £50 required could not be raised, and so little was done to repair it. Listed by Dodds. (6) |