More information : (NU 18401345 and NU 18731312) Course of Town Wall. (1) Licence to `wall and embattle' the town of Alnwick was granted in 1433. Fortifying made slow progress, and 50 years elapsed before it was completed. The wall was 6ft thick, and 20ft 6ins high, with four entrances defended by strong towers. See map diagram. (2) Bondgate Tower (see photographs) is all that survives of the town's fortification. (3) (NU 18851323) Gate. (4) Bondgate Within, (east end) - The Hotspur Gateway or Bondgate Tower as built after 1434 (circa 1450) by the 2nd Earl of Northumberland. East gate in former town walls, polygonal on each side of arched thoroughfare on outside, straight front to west. Not crenellated. Rough ashlar. Three stages. Central segmental archway with vaulted passage on 4 wide ribs. East face: remains of large corbels in centre, panel below with much faded lion rampant by a sculptor named Matthew, narrow lookouts. West face: slight set back above 2nd stage, a plain 2 light mullion window above the archway and a blocked cross window to left. There are portcullis slits to the outer arch. Scheduled Ancient Monument. Grade I. (5)
A charter of William de Vesci dated between 1157 and 1185, granted to the burgesses of Alnwick the customs of Newcastle. (a) (6-6a)
NU 189 132. Bondgate Tower. Scheduled No ND/61. (7)
Included in a study of English small towns. (8)
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