More information : (TG 52670673) Friar's Tower (NR) (1)
The Friars' Tower also known as Blackfriars Tower (3) located at the south east end of the precincts of the Dominican Friary (TG 50 NW 53) was built in 1342. The 'D' shaped tower, about 30 ft high, has a semi-circular outer face with squared flint facing and has been extensively repaired. Three arrow slits are visible in the lower chamber. Palmer writing about the tower said, 'the guard-chamber was approached by an external staircase from the rampart, the greater part of which still remains.' There is no present day evidence of this. (For a general history of the Medieval Town Wall see TG 50 NW 2). (2,3)
The name Blackfriars' Tower appears on a wall plaque and in the town wall pamphlet. The tower is as described save that the upper section is constructed of geometric panels in brick and flint.
Ground photograph. (4)
The tower and adjacent wall contains gunports, probably inserted circa 1460. (5) |