Cumbria's castles and pele towers

Campbelltown Mote, Nr Twynholm

2012-01-30T12:59:00.000Z

Campbelltown Mote

Nr Twynholm

Dumfries and Galloway

Scotland

The Doon Fort, Twynholm

2012-01-30T12:56:00.000Z

The Doon Hill,

Twynholm

Dumfries and Galloway

Scotland

The Doon Hill can be found to the West of Twynholm, overlooking Twynholm motte and also Campbelltown Mote to the South.

Twynholm Motte, Twynholm

2012-01-30T12:32:00.000Z

Twynholm Motte

Twynholm

Dumfries and Galloway

Scotland

It's taken three visits to this tiny village to find the motte, and now that I've finally discovered where it is, I can forgive myself for not finding it earlier. The motte is very badly damaged and so hidden from view as to be almost invisible.

The motte lies to the North West of the church, hidden behind a line of cottages and shielded from view by a tin shed partially built into the side of the motte. A small wall has been built into the West side of the motte, to enable a path or track to circumnavigate the base of the mound.

Above. View of the motte from Kirk Brae.

The motte most likely dates from the late 1000s or early 1100s, and stands to a height of around 20 feet, and overlooks the Kirk Burn, for which it may have been built to guard a ford.

Above. Another view from Kirk Brae.

Above. View of the motte from across the gardens of the nearby cottages.

The motte summit measures around 47 by 38 feet, and has been truncated and damaged. In fact local documents tell us that the summit has, in the past, been used as a pet cemetery and a garden.

Above. View of the foot of the motte and the low wall built into the base.

2011-12-20T22:34:00.004Z

Duke of Gloucester Inn
Penrith
Cumbria

A recent visit to Penrith prompted me to investigate the Duke of Gloucester a little closer, especially regarding the claims that the building contains the remains of a pele tower.

Above. The rear of the Duke of Gloucester.

Well, it appears that the remains of the tower are actually hidden at the rear of the inn, almost invisible from the road at the front of the inn. The tower has been heavily modified and incorporated into the later 16th and 17th century building at the front. It is of three storeys, and measures roughly ten feet by ten feet. As with other towers in Cumbria, all 'tower' characteristics have been removed.

Lancaster Castle

2011-11-04T18:54:00.002Z

Lancaster Castle

I've taken a few more photos of Lancaster and decided to post them here for you, especially seeing as how popular the Lancaster Castle pages seem to be.

Lancaster Castle has been used as a prison since 1745, but in in 2010, it was announced that it would cease to be used as an HMP. Hopefully at some point in the future, the castle will be opened up to the public and it will be possible to take photographs of the interior of the building.

Above. At last....nearly the perfect photo of the John of Gaunt built gatehouse.

The gatehouse was built on the command of Henry IV, as part of an extensive rebuilding of the castle. The twin towers of the gatehouse would have made it one of the most impregnable of its type in its day, incorporating new defensive features that would have been regarded as 'cutting edge' defensive qualities. It is possibly one of the most complete gatehouses of its age in the whole of the UK.

Above. The Well Tower or Witch's Tower.

The Well Tower, also known as the Witch's Tower, was probably built around 1325. It originally contained two wells and stone vaulted cellars, indicating that the tower would have been a self-sufficient part of the castle in the event of the walls being breached....almost a second but smaller keep.

Above. The Keep, visible above the walls from across the church yard.

The Keep is the largest building of the castle at Lancaster, and dates to the 12th century. It was largely rebuilt during Elizabeth the I's reign. The tower stands 20 metres tall, with walls somewhere around 3 metres thick at their base. Internally, each of the four storeys are divided by a single wall, so that each floor contains two rooms. The tower is also known in historical documents as the Lungess Tower.

Above. The Shire Hall.

The Shire Hall was built towards the end of the 18th century, to designs by Thomas Harrison. The hall is ten sided, and houses the courtroom. Records show that a shortage of money prevented the hall from being completed until Joseph Gandy 'stumped' up the remainder of the funds in 1802.

Above. One of the more recent (1800s) towers.

Lancaster Castle was heavily rebuilt and modified towards the end of the 18th century. Some of the medieval curtain walls and some of the towers were demolished during this period to enable the castle's footprint to be slightly increased, making better use of the space to house further buildings. Between 1794 and 1796, an all male prison was built over the demolished curtain wall, and at this time, an 'attractive' debtors prison was built, overlooking parkland. In 1796, as part of this period of rebuilding, the medieval hall was demolished to make way for the new Crown Court. The medieval vaults still survive and can be seen when taking the castle tour. A huge all female prison was built in 1821, representing the last major rebuilding of Lancaster Castle. As soon as I have some more information regarding the future of Lancaster Castle, I'll post it here.

Lancaster Castle web site.

Roman Bath House and wall, Lancaster

2011-10-30T21:48:00.008Z

Roman Bath House and wall,
Lancaster,
Lancashire

The scant remains of the Roman bath house and the rubble remains of the wall can be found less than a quarter of a mile to the North of Lancaster Castle and the Priory. The main point of interest for this blog however, are the remains of the wall.

Above. Good view of the bath house remains, and the wall beyond.

The photo above, shows the excavated remains of a bath house, possibly dating from around 367AD, with a fragment of walling visible just beneath the branches of the tree next to the modern building.

Above. Close up of the remains of the wall.

The fragment of wall is now merely a pile of consolidated rubble....all the facing stones that would once have finished the wall have long since been robbed out, leaving behind a stump of wall, representing the last vestiges of a fortification that would have once surrounded the Roman fort here in Lancaster.

Above. The Roman\Medieval(?) wall.

I can't find any reasoning behind the name 'Wery' wall, but it is evident that it started life as part of the Roman fort, and then subsequently may have been incorporated into the Norman fortifications here in Lancaster, and then later still, became part of the early medieval attempt to surround the town of Lancaster with a defensive wall. Historical documents dating from the 11th to the 18th century all mention the Wery wall, indicating its original importance as part of the defences of the regionally important town of Lancaster. Access to the bath house and the remains of the wall is free, and the site is open all day long.

Burneside Hall, Burneside Nr Kendal

2011-08-18T18:18:00.003+01:00

Burneside Hall

Burneside

Near Kendal

Cumbria

I first visited Burneside Hall in April of 2005...in fact, it was the first pele tower I'd ever seen and it was probably the building that set me off on this quest to photograph all of Cumbria's towers and castles. So it came as a great surprise when I realised that I had no photos on the blog, and no information about this wonderful old tower.

Burneside lies around two and a half miles North of Kendal. The hall and tower of Burneside sit to the North West of the village, and consist of the 14th century ruins of a large pele tower and hall attached to the East of the tower.

Above. Burneside Hall from Scout Scar (I think!)

Machell's antiquary sketches of Burneside Hall show a three storeyed tower with an embattled roof line. These days it is in ruins, to such an extent that in 2011 it made English Heritage's 'At Risk' register. The tower measures around 13 by 9 metres. The gable walls probably stand to their original height, as does the South wall which borders the hall, whilst the front, or North wall, has largely collapsed down to first floor level.

Above. Plan of the tower and surrounding enclosures, walls and gatehouse.

Above. View of the hall showing the ornamental pond and mound on which the tower stands.

Above. Close up of the tower.

The lower parts of the North wall are formed out of the walls of a former enclosure that is thought to pre-date the tower. Several reports produced regarding the tower here at Burneside make mention of this much older feature, suggesting that the site is much older than the 14th century tower. The difference in building materials can clearly be seen in the photo above.

The enclose, which lies to the North of the tower, was first recognised in the 1936 RCHM survey. It measured some 11 metres square with walls around a metre thick. It stands in places, to around one and a half metres high, and is pretty much complete.

Above. The well preserved gatehouse.

The gatehouse lies to the West of the tower, and was most likely built in the 16th century, and possibly is contemporary with the remodelling of the hall. The original doors, made of oak, appear to still be in situ, although now not mounted on their hinges. It is thought that the gatehouse has, at some point, been reduced in size, as foundations are visible in the grass to the South of its walls. Whether this was due to collapse or deliberate rebuilding is not known.

Above. The gatehouse from outside the barmkyn wall.

To the North of the gatehouse, an 8 metre stretch of barmkyn or curtain wall can still be seen. This apparently still retains a rough parapet walk. This tiny stretch of wall can be seen to the left of the gatehouse in the photo above.

Above. The tower with the hall to the rear.

There are numerous foundation marks running along the length of the wall near to the gatehouse, and Machell's sketches show a number of buildings built against the inside of the wall. There is also evidence of fishponds and other unidentified earthworks to the West and South of the tower.

Great views of the tower can be had from Hall road, though parking is very tricky owing to the narrow roads.

Eileen Donan Castle, Near Dornie

2011-08-16T20:39:00.004+01:00

Eileen Donan Castle

Near Dornie

Kyle of Lochalsh

Eileen Donan Castle was renstored between 1919 and 1932 by Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap, who was responsible for the construction of the arched bridge joining the small island of Eileen Donan to the mainland. The island was home to a fort dating to well before the 13th century. During the late 1200s a curtain walled castle was built, probably marking the boundary of the Lordship of the Isles and the Earldom of Ross. It may have been used to prevent or provide early warning for Norse incursions into Scotland.

Above. Eileen Donan Castle from the South.

The Mackenzies held the island in the late 1200s (the Earls of Ross) They built a tower house here, an early attempt at a small scale keep. The MacRaes, protectors of the Mackenzies, took over control of the island and its fortifications in 1511, becoming hereditary constables of the castle.

Above. Eileen Donan Castle from the West.

Following the failure of the 1715 Jacbobite rebellion, James Stuart sought Spanish support, resulting the garrisoning of the castle by about 300 Spanish troops. An expected Scottish uprising, and the provision of further troops from Spain never appeared, and it wasn't long before the English navy turned their attention to the castle and its foreign garrison. Three Royal Navy ships, HMS Worcester, HMS Flamborough and HMS Enterprise anchored off the island with the intention of offering a surrender, but when the Spanish troops opened fire they began a destructive bombardment of the castle. A landing party soon captured the island and the castle with very little opposition. Huge amounts of ammunition were found in the castle's vaults, and the Royal Navy spent the next few days destroying the castle and its defences.

The Eileen Donan web site.

More photos and information at the Undiscovered Scotland web site.

Photos courtesy of John Jefferies.

Low Borrowbridge Roman Fort, 2011

2011-08-16T19:35:00.004+01:00

Low Borrowbridge Roman Fort - 2011 archaeological dig

Near Tebay

Cumbria

In July of 2011, the Lunesdale Archaeological Society managed to get permission to commence a dig at the Low Borrowbridge Roman Fort just outside Tebay. I visited on the open day, and managed to get some photos of the site that was excavated just to the South of the fort, and also managed to get some much better photos of the fort without having to furtively sneak around. Check out the older photos and write up of the fort here.

Above. 'Digger' up to her neck in it!

Above. The long slow laborious process of documenting the finds.

Above. And here he is again.

Above. Plan of the fort.

Above. The West gateway from inside the fort.

Above. An inside\outside view of the fort from the top of the earthen bank.

This photo shows the inside of the fort to the left of the bank, and the defensive ditches to the right. I think the stone walling on top of the original Roman defensive bank was probably robbed from any standing walls that were, apparently, still visible prior to the outbreak of World War I. They will probably have been cleared to allow the field to be ploughed and planted for the war effort. I think we can probably forgive the farmer for this!!

Above. A view of the interior of the fort from the North West corner looking South towards Blease Fell.

Above. The gateway in the Western side of the fort.

Here there are still faint earthworks, possibly suggesting the site of two small buildings just either side of the modern gate. The gateposts are standing on top of two huge slabs of stone, possibly contemporary with the fort.

Above. Looking North towards Jeffrey's Mount.

Above. The South West corner of the fort, looking North East with Powson Knott in the background.

The man in the foreground gives a good idea of the height of the surviving external bank upon which the modern field wall is now built. It must be in the region of thirteen feet high. It must therefore have been much higher when it was originally completed, possibly with a wooden palisade on top adding further height and safety.

Above. Looking North whilst standing in the foot of the ditch.

The ditches to the West of the fort, although damaged by the building of the railway, are still around four feet deep. They would have been much deeper originally, and there would most likely have been much deeper when originally dug.

Some informative links to information regarding Low Borrowbridge Roman fort.

Some brief information here at the Castra web site.

Some more in depth information at the Roman Britain web site.

Lindisfarne Priory

2011-07-29T18:16:00.002+01:00

Lindisfarne Priory

Holy Island

Northumberland

Described as a 'fortified ecclesiastical' site by the Gatehouse website, the Grade I listed structure consists of a collection of 11th to 14th century buildings.

Above. Looking East across the Ouse towards Lindisfarne Castle.

It's likely that the cloisters were transformed into a fortified courtyard sometime in the 13th century, possibly due to the closeness of the castle to the East. During the 14th century, towers were added and an outer ward built. Also in the 14th century, the Priory church was lightly fortified with the insertion of arrow loops in the West wall, and the inclusion of crenelations.

The priory started out as a Benedictine cell from as early as 634AD, suitably removed from the mainland and accessible only via a causeway at low tide. The Priory was suppressed in 1547 during the English Reformation.

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Information at England's North East web site.

Photo courtesy of Malcolm Booker

Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

2011-07-27T20:13:00.001+01:00

Lindisfarne Castle

Northumberland

The tiny castle of Lindisfarne, sits on the top of a rocky outcrop at the South Eastern tip of Holy Island. The outcrop on which the castle is sited is called Beblowe Crag, and provides the buildings with firm foundations. 16th century maps show that there was a beacon on the summit of the crag before the castle was built. It wasn't until 1550 that the fortification was completed. The building materials for the castle were most likely pillaged from the nearby Priory when it was dissolved under Henry VIII's orders. The castle was at the forefront of Anglo Scottish aggression, and in 1542 Henry VIII ordered the site to be fortified against possible Scottish attack. As a result of this Royal order the castle was built, and provided with an impressive array of artillery.

Above. Lindisfarne Castle from the North.

During the Jacobite uprisings, the castle was briefly held by the Pretender's supporters. When the garrison was removed, the castle briefly found use as a coast guard lookout and tourist attraction during the latter part of the 18th century. In 1901, the castle was bought by Edward Hudson who took it upon himself to refurbish his new acquisition, employing the architectural skills of Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Photo courtesy of Malcolm Booker.

North of the Tyne's fantastic photos of the castle

The National Trust's page on Lindisfarne Castle

Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland

2011-07-27T20:11:00.003+01:00

Dunstanburgh Castle

Northumberland

Above. Dunstanburgh from South.

Photo courtesy of Malcolm Booker.

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

2011-07-27T20:08:00.003+01:00

Bamburgh Castle

Northumberland

Above. Bamburgh castle from the beach to the East.

Above. Bamburgh Castle from the East.

Above. Modern and older castles together on the beach.

Above. Cricket beneath the West walls.

Photos courtesy of Malcolm Booker.

The Barracks of the First Royal Lancashire Militia, Lancaster

2011-07-06T18:35:00.003+01:00

The Barracks of the First Royal Lancashire Militia,
South Road
Lancaster

Situated on South Road in Lancaster, this building has a look of Scottish baronial architecture about it. It is in fact the ex-barracks of the First Royal Lancashire Militia, alternatively used as the armoury and general stores until it was abandoned.

Above. The barracks as seen from South Road.

The barracks were built in 1854 possibly by Edmund Sharpe, and were converted around 1983 into offices.

Above. The barracks' gatehouse.

The barracks were built after the Militia Reform Act of 1852 was passed, requiring each county to build and maintain secure quarters from which new militia units could be mustered and trained. The First Royal Lancashire Militia eventually moved to Bowerham barracks in 1881, and the building was sold to Storey Brothers who used it as storage for their business. It was later purchased by Lancashire Enterprises in 1983, who converted it to offices.

Web site for the Lancashire Militia.

Round Hill, Kendal

2011-06-21T19:55:00.003+01:00

Round Hill

Kendal

Cumbria

Now this site has been causing some confusion for a number of years now. The Pastscape website sites the 'motte' somewhere between the huge round hill at Birds Park Farm, and the small Woodland Trust managed 'motte' a few hundred yards to the West. Their map is confusing to say the least....check their entry for this site. I've always gone for the more visible of the three options for this alleged motte....and that was originally the huge round hill just to the South of Birds Park Farm on the North Eastern edges of Kendal. However....about a year ago, I found the feature in the field to the North of the Castle Green Hotel.....and was surprised to find so much masonry buried beneath the trees at the summit of the 'motte'. I've come to the conclusion however, that the 'motte' at the Castle Green is nothing more than a Victorian garden feature, most likely built by the Bindloss family when they lived at the Castle Green. The 'motte' at Birds Park Farm is harder to explain...perhaps it is nothing more than a drumlin...though it is very pronounced and doesn't have the normal tear drop shape that a drumlin has.

Above. Aerial view showing the close proximity of the three sites that could represent Round Hill.

The map, above, shows how close these three sites are, and how badly described the site is by both Pastscape and the Archaeology Data Service website. This is the text of the Pastscape website, describing the site "SD 532929 Motte shown on OS 1:25000 First Series as a circular feature with trees on top, now on the perimeter of Castle Park. The area is now administered by the Woodland Trust. (1) Probably a drumlin or a leftover from the railway which is adjacent to it. (2)"

On the map - Top right - Birds Park Farm 'motte'. Top left - Round Hill Wood 'motte'. Bottom - Castle Green 'motte'.

The fact that the area is administered by the Woodland Trust (which was added recently) now points to a new site that I didn't know existed. Just off Sedbergh Drive, at the Northern extremity of Kendal, there is a tiny wooded area, bounded on all sides by housing developments.

Above. The entrance to the wood is through the small gap in the concrete wall to the left of the lamp post.

Above. The summit of the 'motte'

Above. The Round Hill of Birds Park Farm. Drumlin or spoil heap?

Above. The Round Hill of Castle Green Hotel. Most likely a Victorian garden feature.

The Woodland Trust's website and details on Round Hill Wood.

Cunswick Hall, Kendal

2011-05-22T15:24:00.003+01:00

Cunswick Hall

Nr Kendal

Cumbria

Although Cunswick Hall, along with the fortified tower that was here up until around 1582, was demolished, portions of the gatehouse still survive, together with the Royal arms above the archway. Follow this link for more information on the hall.

Above. The gatehouse and porter's lodge from outside.

The 16th century gatehouse stands together with the porter's lodge, but looks to have been altered. There are the faint remains of a higher archway above the present arch, into which the armorial plate has been inserted.

Above. Close up of the armorial plate above the archway.

The arms are those of the Tudor kings, and look to have been inserted into an old window (the lintel and sill can still be seen) It's impossible to determine the form that the original gatehouse would have taken, but it was probably the only way into the walled courtyard that surrounded the hall and the tower....probably on a par with the towers at Burneside and Preston Patrick.

Martello Towers, Jersey

2011-05-15T16:13:00.003+01:00

Martello Towers

Jersey

Another small collection of photos of towers on the island of Jersey has found its way to me....this time courtesy of Simon Park. All of Jersey's towers were built between 1779 and 1837, to provide protection against a feared French invasion. As it was, none of them saw action.

Above. La Rocco Tower.

La Rocco Tower lies off the West coast of Jersey, at the Southern end of St Ouen's Bay. It was the twenty third tower to be built and was the last to be based on the Jersey round tower design. La Rocco was built in 1796 and by all accounts appears to have been a very expensive affair. Funds ran out soon after building was started and the army had to request further funds to finish it. The tower was finally completed between 1798 and 1801. The gun platform at the top of the tower would have been able to house five thirty two pounder guns and would have provided a formidable line of defence had the French decided to attack the coast here. The Germans badly damaged the tower during the Second World War, when it was used for target practice by German artillery from the Jersey main land. La Rocco was finally restored in 1969 following a public appeal for funds.

Above. An as yet unidentified tower. Details to follow!

Above. First Tower.

This tower's name is a bit of misnomer in that it wasn't the first tower to be built on Jersey. It was originally known as St Aubin No 1 but soon became known as First Tower....a name it now shares with the surrounding area. The tower can be found a few miles North West of St Helier. First Tower was built around 1787 and was one of three towers built to provide protection around St Aubin's bay. After the threat of French invasion had gone, it was abandoned before finding various peace-time uses. It was used as a base for a windmill, a water tower for storing water for plants along Victoria Avenue and, more recently, a vent for a sewer pumping station. When it was in active military use, First Tower was manned by about ten men from the Royal Invalid Battalion.

Check this link out for more information about Jersey's towers.

My thanks to Simon Park for providing the photos.

Kendal Race Course, Kendal

2011-04-03T00:13:00.007+01:00

Kendal Race Course

Kendal

Cumbria

The remains of Kendal Race Course are to be found to the West of Kendal, at the foot of Scout Scar. There is public access across the middle of the race course, via a public footpath that takes you from Brigsteer Road, across Bradley Field and then to the ridge of Scout Scar. The race course is very easy to see in various places, with the route of the course laid out on top of a raised earth platform that has survived in places. There are also the remains of stone walling, most likely built into the banks on the West side of the race course, to shore up places where race goers could stand and watch the day's events.

Above. View of the entrance to the Race Course at the North East corner.

The one mile race course was created by subscription, with money being raised by wealthy locals. An area to the West of Kendal called Fisher's Plain was selected, as it was in easy reach of the town and provided a good flat plateau on which to create the race course. Before the course was created, Fisher's Plain was popular with locals for taking walks, as it provided great views of Kendal and the Howgill fells beyond.

Above. The North East turn.

The first race meeting was held on the 7th of August 1821, and thereafter meetings were held yearly in the last week of June. The three day meet was held each year until about 1830. The main race held here, was the Kendal Gold Cup, with a first prize of £50....a considerable sum for the day.

Above. The North East turn from the East.

There was no meeting in 1823 because of the Reform Bill crisis, but it was used as the start of the Kendal Steeple Chase. Steeple Chases continued until around 1850, while the yearly races had already ceased to take place in about 1839. At this point, materials from the grand stand were removed and sold off.

Above. Another view of the North East turn.

The race course was used by the Kendal\Westmorland Yeomanry for practice from 1847 for a few years.

Above. The one remaining finish post?

From around 1891, Kendal Race Course Golf Club was established, with a six hole course established over the now disused race course. The golf club moved from here in 1896, to establish a more permanent course elsewhere.

Above. Remains of stonework used to shore up the bank where spectators would have watched the races from.

A few races were held during World War I, but on the whole the course now lay abandoned. Maps dating 1863, 1898 and 1899 still show the race course. Later maps, dated 1914, 1920 and 1938 do not show it at all. The current Ordnance Survey map shows it as a dotted outline in the field.

Above. Looking North on the start finish straight.

The following photo shows what I think may be the remains of one of the race course buildings...however, Tom Clare, in his book Prehistoric Monuments of the Lake District, thinks this may in fact be the site of a prehistoric round cairn. I can't find this particular feature marked on any old maps as a cairn, and therefore feel it is some remnant of the race course.

Above. Rubble remains of a building in the centre of the race course?

Race meets were held here in 1922\23 for trotting races, and the site was briefly revived during the early 1990s, but no further races have been held since then.

Rispain Camp, Whithorn

2011-03-27T20:08:00.003+01:00

Rispain Camp

Near Whithorn

Dumfries and Galloway

During the 1950s, as Rispain camp was being investigated, it was mistakenly categorised as a medieval moated homestead or even a castle site. It wasn't until 1978 when the interior of the site was excavated, that it was designated an Iron Age fortified homestead.

Above. Looking North West along the top of the earth banks.

The impressive earthworks consist of a rectangular array of ditches, earthen banks with an interior area of around 220 by 170 feet. The surrounding ditch is around 10 feet deep and is still remarkably well defined (though it has most likely been consolidated at some point)

Above. Looking South East towards the modern day farm.

The excavations of 1978, provided evidence of habitation from around 100 BC to 200 AD. The homestead's defences are incredibly well preserved. An outer ditch, now infilled, can be traced from aerial photos, but the exterior bank and its ditch still stand to an impressive height and depth.

Above. Looking South West from inside the earthworks.

The 1978 excavations threw up evidence of a timber gateway on the North East side of the earthworks, with evidence of a wooden palisade running along the top of the exterior earthen bank. This was obviously a very well defended homestead.

Above. Standing on the causeway at the North Eastern end.

There is also evidence of a large wooden round house in the center of the site, measuring some
13 metres in diameter.

The site is freely accessible during day light hours, and there is a small area for parking

in the farm yard around a quater of a mile from the site.

Carse Mote, Tongland, Near Kirkcudbright

2011-03-27T19:58:00.005+01:00

Carse Mote

Tongland

Near Kirkcudbright

Dumfries and Galloway

Carse Mote can be seen from the A711 at Tongland, about two miles North of Kirkcudbright. You can't really see these earthworks from the car as your driving, so it's best to park up and take a look. The best distance view, that gives you a good idea of the size and form of the site, is to walk back towards the power station on the banks of the River Dee. Through the trees, the view (shown below) can be seen.

Above. The earthworks from the A711 through the trees.

The summit of the mote is tree lined these days, but when it was in use, the hill side would most likely have been cleared of any vegetation, giving its occupants good clear fields of view across the countryside. The next best views are close up, and the mote can easily be accessed from the public footpath that runs along the South East banks of the river. Although the footpath isn't marked on the ordnance survey map, it is clearly sign posted. You can walk right up to the base of the earthworks, and as Scottish access laws are vastly different from English access laws, you can climb to the top of the mote and walk around the outlaying earthworks.

Above. Looking North East towards the summit of the mote.

On some old maps, the site is called 'the camp on the moat field', and although these days it looks distinctly round, it would most likely have originally been an almost square site. Ploughing and erosion have, over the years, rounded the edges of the summit of the mote.

Above. The tree lined summit of Carse Mote.

The summit may at one time have been around twenty one feet high, but only on one side does it now stand to anything nearing this height. The earthworks seem to be laid out in a classical Norman motte and bailey style settings....with a higher motte at one end, and a lower bailey area at the other...however, it is thought that this site pre-dates the Norman invasion of the British Isles.

Above. Another view of the tree lined summit.

The summit of the mote measures around 165 by 140 feet, with a break in the rim on the east side, possibly representing an entrance. The remnants of a bank and ditch survive to the North East of the mote, as shown in the photo below.

Above. The scant remains of ditches and banks at the North Eastern side of the earthworks.

I can't seem to find any dates for Carse Mote's creation, though some documentation points to it being an iron age hill fort rather than any sort of medieval site. This doesn't of course preclude it being used at some later point.

As this is easily reached via the public footpath from the road side, this site is well worth a visit.

Motte of Urr, Near Dalbeattie and Haugh of Urr

2011-03-27T18:09:00.004+01:00

Motte of Urr

Between Dalbeattie and Haugh of Urr

Dumfries and Galloway

Well...what is there to be said about this? It is truly the 'mother of all mottes' and stunned me so much I nearly put the car into the ditch when I saw it from a distance. This magnificent earthwork structure can be found just over a mile South of Hough of Urr, a small village that is in turn about three and a half miles North of Dalbeattie, and about four and a half miles North East of Castle Douglas. The Motte of Urr lays on the West side of the B794 and next to Urr Water. Although it's on private land, great views can still be had from the road side, and these views really convey the size and form of this fantastic earthwork.

Above. The spectacular motte looking South.

The Motte of Urr is apparently a good example of a Scottish 'Pudding Bowl' motte, and the description seems to be apt when looking at the photo above. The motte rises to around ten metres above the bailey area, which in turn is set upon a six or seven metre high bank, which is also set upon yet another six or seven metre high bank. The motte therefore towers above the earthworks.

Above. Another wider view of the motte looking South.

The motte sits at the Northern end of the huge bailey area (measuring some 150 by 65 metres) and is surrounded by a deep ditch. The motte has a summit measuring some twenty five metres across, and would most likely have housed a large wooden tower.

Above. The motte from the East.

The castle was built by Walter de Berkeley some time after 1165, as detailed in a rare, surviving charter, which details the grant of lands in the surrounding areas by William I (the Lion of Scotland)

Above. Looking North towards the motte.

Excavations in the early 1950s, found evidence of destruction and fire damage, possibly relating to a rebellion in 1174. At this point, its defences would have consisted of a wooden tower atop the motte, with a timber palisade around the exterior of the bailey area, probably reinforced with stone. There was a Burgh of Urr somewhere close by, but it does not appear to have been occupied much after the early 1300s. A minor branch of the Baliol family held the castle in the 1200s, and while it was the site of a charter signing in 1262, no attempt seems to have been made to rebuild the castle in stone. There are suggestions that the sheer size of the castle's bailey area, indicate that it may have originally been an iron age fort.

Check out the site record for the Motte of Urr at the RCAHMS website, which has a library of over 120 photos of the motte.

Boreland of Anworth Motte, Gatehouse of Fleet

2011-03-27T18:05:00.003+01:00

Boreland Of Anwoth motte

Green Tower Motte

Gatehouse Of Fleet

Dumfries and Galloway

A confusing motte and bailey castle this one....mainly because it seems to be unable to decide what its name is. Some documentation refers to it as Green Tower Motte, some as Anwoth Motte, and some as Boreland of Anwoth Motte. Whatever it's name, it is a large earthwork, visible at a distance from the road side. The A75 between Newton Stewart and Kirkcudbrigh has to be one of the most scenic drives in South West Scotland, passing by numerous historical sites, and providing some beautiful views across the Irish Sea. These earthwork remains can be found less than a mile South of Gatehouse of Fleet and Cardoness Castle, and nearly seventeen miles East of Newton Stewart.

Above. The motte looking South West from the A75.

The motte consists of two distinct parts: a small twenty two by twenty metre almost circular earthwork mound, with a fifteen metre wide ditch separating it from a larger fifty two metre by twenty metre motte protruding out into the high tide areas of Skyreburn Bay. Unlike the numerous small single mound mottes in this part of Scotland, Anwoth was built with a large well defended bailey area. R.M.Smith, in his The Castles of Galloway, states that this is similar in form to motte and bailey castles found in Ulster, and therefore an anomaly to the area. It is dated to around 1160, and would most likely have belonged to David Fitz Teri, who may have received surrounding areas of land from Uchtred Mac Fergusa, Lord of Galloway. The remains of a deep ditch can still be traced on the Landward\North side of the earthworks.

The motte can be seen from the roadside quite easily. If you park up at Cardoness Castle and then walk back down to the A75, cross over, and look South East, you should be able to see it.

Check the link for the motte's connections with the McCulloh clan.

Old Buittle Tower, Near Dalbeattie

2011-03-27T17:57:00.004+01:00

Old Buittle Tower

Near Dalbeattie

Dumfries and Galloway

This beautiful late sixteenth century tower can just be seen from the B794 as you travel South towards Dalbeattie from Haugh of Urr. Indeed, it is only about two miles South of the Motte of Urr....two good reasons to explore this road. These days, the tower is owned by Janet and Jeffrey Burn, who have not only made this tower into a comfortable home, but turned it into a living history site with events throughout the year. Check their website, The Borderers.

Above. Old Buittle Tower looking West from the B794.

It seems that the original tower house was built between 1490 and 1500, probably utilising rubble from the nearby ruined Buittle castle, by the Black Douglases who were, at the time, Lords of Galloway.

The tower would originally have been a simple rectangular building, with a wing added around 1580 providing extra, larger living quarters, reshaping the building into an L plan tower. In the early 17th century, the courtyard would have had a barmkin built around it, providing some light defensive protection. It was abandoned in the early 1720s, and gutted by fire in 1740. By the late 1700s, it was in a state of near total collapse. In the early 1800s its potential as a home was recognised, and by 1881 it had been let to tenant farmers. However, the owners decided to remove the turrets and remodel the interior. Check their website for visiting information.

Isle of Whithorn Castle, Isle of Whithorn

2011-03-27T17:51:00.002+01:00

Isle of Whithorn Castle

Isle of Whithorn

Dumfries and Galloway

The Isle of Whithorn (not an island today) lays at the Southern tip of the Machars, about 13 miles South of Wigtown. This has to be the smallest Scottish castle I've ever seen, measuring a petite ten by nine metres. Built in 1674 by Patrick Houston and Margaret Gordon (who's initials can still be seen over a door) it is most likely that it was built, not as a place of refuge, but more likely as a comfortable home with all the outward characters of a small tower house.

Above. Isle of Whithorn Castle.

The tower was altered around 1830 by John Reid, when he was the Superintendent of Customs, and it was used as his administrative centre in the government's battle against smuggling. It can be seen from the road side when travelling out of The Isle of Whithorn on the B7004. Film enthusiasts may recognise the tower from the 1973 film, The Wicker Man.

Auchenmalg Tower\House, Achenmalg

2011-03-27T17:34:00.003+01:00

Auchenmalg Tower\House

Auchenmalg

Near Glenluce

Dumfries and Galloway

The tiny hamlet of Auchenmalg lies about four miles South of Glenluce in the South West corner of Scotland. All that remains of this tower or house, are the footings of around two thirds of the square building, with the standing remains of one ruined gable wall. The ruins can be seen from the road side, about a hundred yards South of Broompark Farm.

Above. View of the remains from the A747.

Above. OS map from 1895, showing the site of the tower or house of Auchenmalg.

Modern OS maps after 1895 do not name the ruins, and stop showing them after 1965. The only information I can find about this intriguing ruin, is that it was most likely once upon a time, the home to the Adairs of Genoch. Some sources are convinced that this was the site of a fortified house or tower, whilst others dismiss it as the ruins of a more recent house.

Tretower Castle, Nr Crickhowell, Wales

2011-02-09T11:30:00.005Z

Tretower Castle

Nr Crickhowell

Powys

Mid Wales

Tretower Castle lays in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, some three miles North West of Crickhowell and just off the A479. The remains (shown below) date mainly from the mid 12th to early 13th century, and overlay an earlier motte and bailey castle.

Above. View of the South Western side of the castle.
Photo courtesy of Sheila Meades

More photos of Tretower Castle on the fantastic Castle Wales web site.

Drummore Castle, Kirkcudbright

2011-01-03T15:09:00.002Z

Drummore Castle (fort)

Near Kirkcudbright

Dumfries and Galloway

Scotland

Not a castle as such I know, but worthy of its place on this blog none the less. This is a an ancient hill fort, visible from the minor road that leads from the Lake (South of Kirkcudbright) in a three mile loop back to the Townhead Road. The hills within this looping road are littered with other minor forts, the remains of small stone circles and stones with cup and ring carvings.

Above. The wooded area to the left of the photo shows where the fort is located.

The fort measures around two hundred and ten by one hundred and sixty feet, and sits on the summit of Castle Hill (aptly enough!) Apparently, visible beneath the overgrown summit of this small hill, there is a stone rampart running almost the full circumference of the hill, with an opening on the North East side. Below this top rampart, there is a ditch and another stony rampart, possibly added at a later date, further strengthening the position this fort holds. At the moment I'm unable to find a date for the fort...but as usual, I'll update the post if I find any further information.

Murray's Monument, Minnigaff, Dumfries and Galloway

2010-12-27T17:13:00.002Z

Murray's Monument

Minnigaff

Dumfries and Galloway

Scotland

I thought I'd include this monument here seeing as it's so similar to Kendal's Elba and Castle Howe monuments. It's off the beaten track...on a road called the Queen's Way, the A712, that runs from New Galloway at the Northern tip of Loch Ken, South to Newton Stewart, and sandwiched between Wee Doon and Big Doon! The road is such that, if you're driving you'll probably miss it...but if you're lucky enough to be a passenger, the monument can be seen looming ahead of you as you pass by the Wild Goat Park.

Above. The monument from the East.

The monument was erected in 1835 in memory of Alexander Murray (1775 to 1813), a Scottish linguist and professor of oriental languages. Alexander was born very near to the site of the monument, in a cottage called Dunkitterick Cottage, now set up as a memorial to him.

The monument was built by William Hume, James Thomson, and Robert Hume to designs by an eminent Edinburgh lawyer called John Parker. It stands to around eighty feet tall, and its prominent position high up on the hill side gives you great views back down the valley to the East.

Above. A closer, cropped view of the monument.

This has to be one of my favourite drives.....which will have to be done in drier and sunnier weather. There is so much to see along the way, including the Glen of the Bar, the Wild Goat Park, Kenmure Castle, Clatteringshaw's Loch and Bruce's Stone, the Deer Range and miles and miles of rolling hills.

Castle Howe monument, Kendal

2010-12-20T19:16:00.003Z

Castle Howe monument

Kendal

Cumbria

The Castle Howe monument stands on the summit of the motte of Castle Howe, Kendal's Norman castle, to the West of the town. The monument was designed by Francis Webster, and bankrolled by William Holme. It was erected to celebrate the 1688 revolution, whereby King James II of England was overthrown by Parliament, and William of Orange, the Dutch Stadtholder, ascended the throne as William III along with his wife Mary II.

Above. The monument from the foot of the motte.

The monument was erected one hundred years after the Glorious Revolution. It's apt that the inscription mentions 'Sacred to Liberty'. The Liberty quoted here relates to religious freedoms slowly beginning to creep into society....and Kendal has a long history of Dissenters....Catholics, Wesleyans (Methodists), Quakers (Friends), Zionists and many others.

Above. The plaque on the East face of the monument.

Above. Another view from the foot of the motte.

Above. The monument and the motte and bailey castle from Kendal Castle to the East.

The monument has developed a gentle lean over the years, and this is still evident today. The monument is clearly visible from Kendal Castle to the East, especially during the Autumn and Winter months when the trees are bare.

The Elba Monument, Kendal

2010-12-20T18:26:00.002Z

The Elba Monument

Kendal

Cumbria

The Elba monument is to be found about a mile North West of Kendal, on Monument Hill just off the A591. You can see it towering above the fields on your right as you drive out towards Windermere.

Above. The monument from the West.

The monument was bankrolled by James Bateman of nearby Tolson Hall, as a memorial to the exile of Napoleon on the island of Elba. There was meant to be a commemorative plaque when it was originally erected, in 1814, but Napoleon escaped his island exile on the 26th of February 1815. It took one hundred years for James Bateman's intended words to appear on the monument.

Above. The monument from the North East.

The commemorative plaque was placed on the monument in 1914, and was paid for by Charles Cropper of Ellergreen. The original plaque appears to never have been found, though it is thought that it was produced and was ready to install when Napoleon left Elba for France.

Above. The commemorative plaque on the monument.

The monument is almost identical to the one on Castle Howe in the middle of Kendal, and was probably designed by the Webster family of architects.

Tolson Hall, Near Kendal

2010-11-28T18:18:00.003Z

Tolson Hall

Near Kendal

Cumbria

Tolson Hall can be found about a mile West of Burneside on Hollins Lane (just off the A591) It can be seen from the roadside here, through the spectacular gatehouse, shown below. The hall was built in 1638 for Thomas Tolson, a local tobacco merchant. Originally, the hall would have consisted of the central portion of the building perhaps with two wooden wings....however the West wing was altered and extended sometime around 1800, whilst the East wing was altered and partially rebuilt sometime around 1900.

Above. Tolson Hall from Hollins Lane to the South.

The hall contains a room with some 17th century panelling in, with a panel dated 1638, and the initials, T&AT for Thomas and Anne Tolson, the builders of the hall. Just like the Castle Dairy in the middle of Kendal, there is some late early 17th century glass in one of the ground floor windows, with the wording "God by this meanes, has sent what I on this house have spent" together with some illustrations of some tobacco pipes.

Above. A closer view of the South face of the hall.

Another window has the inscription "All prayse unto his name that gave the meanes to build the same."

Above. Sketches of two of the windows at Tolson Hall (taken from A History and Guide of Kendal, from personal collection)

There are other smaller windows with various coats of arms represented in them. It is thought that Thomas Tolson built Tolson hall from the profits he accrued from selling tobacco he imported from Virginia to Westmorland. The window with the inscription "God by this meanes, has sent what I on this house have spent" probably relates to the tobacco profits used to fund his lifestyle and his home.

Above. Tolson Hall's gatehouse from Hollins Lane.

The gatehouse on Hollins Lane was built sometime around 1800, and has towers with turrets and arrow slits. It is of course, nothing more than a folly.

Above. Tolson Hall's gatehouse from the South.

It is rumoured that, built into the thickness of one portion of particularly thick wall...some six feet thick, a small room was discovered. As is the norm with local legends, it is suggested that this may at one time have been used as a priest hole....to hide a Catholic priest in when Protestant administrators came visiting.

The hall later passed to the Bateman family, specifically James Bateman, who was responsible for commissioning the so called Elba monument in the field a few hundred yards away.

Tolson Hall can be viewed from the side of the road.

Dalton Old Hall pele tower, Dalton Nr Burton in Kendal

2010-11-23T19:02:00.005Z

Dalton Old Hall and pele tower

Dalton

Near Burton In Kendal

Cumbria

A long tortuous walk through fields and woods looking for the public footpath markers that all seemed to have vanished, eventually saw me bagging one of the last South Lakes pele towers missing from my collection.

Above. The West side of Dalton old Hall.

Above. Dalton Old Hall from the footpath to the North.

Above. Dalton Old Hall from the remains of the pele tower.

Above. Looking into the two rooms in the last remains of the pele tower.
Above. The hidden remains of the pele tower, behind the ivy.

Above. The pele tower with a bricked up window or door to the left.
Above. Close up of the surviving West wall of the pele tower.
Above. The only surviving two walls of the pele tower.

Above. An original entrance into the pele tower?

Whether Fold, Kentmere Valley

2010-11-13T21:01:00.002Z

Whether Fold

Kentmere Valley

Near Kendal

The River Kent begins its decent into Morecambe Bay from Lingmell End, flowing into Kentmere Reservoir, and then South through the Kentmere valley, into Kentmere tarn, and then onto Kendal. On its way, it passes through beautiful countryside scarred by years of slate mining, past pre-historic settlements, and runs along side the remains of more recent human activity. The following two photos show Whether Fold....a sheep fold about hundred yards from the reservoir's damn.

I have no idea how old this structure is...when it was built, or when it was last used.

Constructed of lime stone blocks and in a similar fashion to the dry stone walls that line the valley walls, it's a surprise that it's still standing. The river here is known to rise at an alarming rate when the rains cause the reservoir to overflow, and the fold is right in the path of the river. It doesn't seem to be a listed structure, but does seem to have had some consolidation work done on it over the years.

Townend, Troutbeck

2010-11-13T20:51:00.001Z

Townend

Troutbeck

Cumbria

Townend House stands about three miles east of Ambleside, in what must be one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District. The village of Troutbeck stretches along the Eastern side of the valley from Wansfell Pike, and consists of a number of traditionally built Lake District slate houses. Townend is said to be an excellent example of a virtually unchanged early 17th century 'yeoman's' house, and, owned by English Heritage, is open to explore.

Built in 1626, possibly on the site of an earlier house, some of the walls are exceptionally thick, suggesting that this may have been a fortified house at some time.....or the walls could just be thick to support the five huge Westmorland chimneys!!

It was built by George Browne as a family home, and surprisingly has survived pretty much intact and unchanged for the past 384 years. It seems that this incredible survival has given this family home a second lease of life with English Heritage. The North and South West wings probably date from the latter part of the 17th century...so George Browne's house would have been slightly smaller than we see today.

Over the other side of the road is the Grade II listed barn, probably dating from 1666 (or so a date panel would inform us) The barn is probably overlooked by most people, making their way to check out Townend House, but I would recommend a good look at this mid 17th century building.

It consists of two wings either side of a central two storey section. There are shippons below and lofts above, with a beautiful, probably original, wooden gallery at the front.

Apparently the interior has an original queen post roof, consisting of a simple horizontal beam laid from wall to wall, with two vertical beams then supporting a higher horizontal beam, upon which the sloped roof sits.

The village of Troutbeck is certainly worth a visit, and the nearby Jesus church is a must.

Kirfitt Hall, near Kirkby Lonsdale

2010-11-07T18:01:00.002Z

Kirfitt Hall

Near Kirkby Lonsdale

Cumbria

A beautiful Autumnal day out in Kirkby Lonsdale, and I thought I'd add a couple of new photos of the hall and its tower.

Above. Looking North West towards the tower with Casterton Park in the background.

Above. Close up of the hall and the tower...new camera...better zoom lens!!

Check the link for additional information on the hall.

Vicarage Drive Motte number 2

2010-10-24T18:44:00.002+01:00

Vicarage Drive Motte number 2

Kendal

Cumbria

This low mound of earth lies to the South of Vicarage Drive. It consists of a low mound with trees to the West and South West. It is overlooked by slightly higher ground to the North West, so probably wouldn't be a good candidate for a motte and bailey castle.

Above. Motte number 1 looking West.

From this angle (above) the mound is quite visible against the tree line. There doesn't seem to be any sign of a bailey area, ditches or earthworks...though if there had been any of these features, they would most likely have been destroyed when the school was built.

Above. A view of the mound from the North.

The photo above shows how the mound is overlooked from the West. I don't think this is a very good candidate for a motte and bailey castle, or even any sort of 'pre-conquest administrative centre. Early maps of the area don't show any features in this area, named or otherwise, and local historical documents make no mention of a site at this end of town.

Vicarage Drive Motte number 1

2010-10-24T18:42:00.002+01:00

Vicarage Drive Motte number 1

Kendal

Cumbria

This mound lies to the South of Vicarage drive, and consists of two areas of rising ground. The last two photos show a preliminary mound, rising to around fifteen feet in height. The second mound is hidden by the tree cover, shown below. This mound was found to be around forty to fifty feet high.

Above. A view of motte number 1 from Vicarage Drive.

There was no trace of any ditches within the wooded area, although it was in such an overgrown state it would have been extremely difficult to see any last remains of any type of defensive infilled ditch.

Above. Motte number 1 looking East.

The photos above and below show the lower, fifteen to twenty foot bank that runs around the Southern and Western sides of the mound. Could this have been an additional bank thrown up to provide additional defences to this site....or does it represent the remains of a bailey area?

Above. Motte number 1 looking North.

I would say, that of the two Vicarage Drive mounds, this would be the most likely to represent any form of motte and bailey castle or 'pre-conquest administrative centre'.....though again, early maps show nothing of any note in this area, and local historical documents don't mention anything at this end of town. I would have thought, that had there been an important site here, perhaps John Speed would have noted it on his map of 1620, but there is nothing here at all. Both of these mounds are intriguing sites...but it is hard to find any persuasive argument for these mounds being anything other than glacial mounds.

Peel Castle, Isle of Man

2010-10-04T22:26:00.004+01:00

Peel Castle

St Patrick's Isle

Peel

Isle of Man

Peel lays on the West coast of the Isle of Man, about eleven miles West of Douglas. The town of Peel lays in the shadow of Corrins Hill, a long land mass that separates the town from the Irish Sea. The castle is built on St Patrick's Isle, a small island separated from the mainland, and accessible via a relatively modern causeway. Aerial views of the castle show a collection of roofless buildings, earthworks, curtain walls and a number of towers.

Above. A view from East Quay, looking North towards the ruined castle and cathedral.

Dating from the 11th century, the castle was built by King Magnus Barelegs, King of Norway from 1093 until 1103, King of Mann and the Isles from 1099 until 1102 and King of Dublin from 1102 until his death in 1103. The castle was built of wood at this point, and was built around the existing stone built monastic buildings that occupied the small island at this time. The ruined castle still incorporates the remains of the old cathedral of St German, which can be seen over the 14th century, red sand stone walls. It was used by the church as the administrative centre for the see of Sodor Diocese, until it was abandoned in the 18th century.

The castle on the other hands was maintained right up until 1860, when it was updated and re-fortified to prepare for a possible French invasion. The castle is owned by Manx National Heritage, and is open to the public from April until October.

Photo courtesy of Martin Russell

Isle of Man Heritage web site.

Online history of Peel.

Plumpton Hall, Plumpton, Near Ulverston

2010-09-30T21:46:00.004+01:00

Plumpton Hall

Plumpton

Near Ulverston

Cumbria

Plumpton Hall lies about two miles off the A590, East of Ulverston. This tiny collection of houses that makes up Plumpton, overlooks Plumpton Bight, a shallow bay to the North West of Cartmel Sands. From the shore line here, Grange can be seen across the estuary, with the Leven Viaduct spanning the width of the sands and less than a quarter of a mile to the South, the Eastern end of Ulverston Canal enters the bay.

Above. Looking East towards the older part of the hall (at the left of the photo)

Plumpton Hall sits on the last few hundred yards of tarmac road eventually leading down to the shore of the bay. There are essentially two buildings here, a Western wing, consisting of an H plan building...a central hall with two wings to the North and South, and an Eastern portion (shown below) consisting of a single two story building.

Above. The newer hall, looking roughly North.

It is thought that there has been a 'manor' house on this site since the mid 1500's, but it's unlikely that anything of this earlier original building remains. The oldest parts of the hall(s) are the central hall and two wings of the Western building, probably dating from the 17th century. As with a number of buildings from this period in this particular area, I would say Westmorland, but the peninsula was part of Lancashire up until 1974, there are good examples of Westmorland chimneys here.

The second part of the hall, is the two story building that faces South with gardens set out about its front. This building was most likely built towards the end of the 1780's and some accounts state that it was originally a three storey house. I'm not sure at what point the third storey was removed.

Above. Looking at the rear of the older part of the hall, with its beautiful Westmorland chimney.

After 1554, the 'manor' of Plumpton fell under the ownership of the Sawrey family, the most notable member of the family being John Sawrey, a puritan advocate who bitterly opposed the Quaker, George Fox. He was drowned whilst attempting to cross the Leven sands in 1665.

Above. A closer view of the rear of the older part of the hall.

A local legend tells of a 'haunted' brass lantern, kept at the hall, and endowed with miraculous powers that enabled it to find its way home if it was ever removed from Plumpton Hall. Check this link for a photo of the lantern.

Denis R. Perriam and John Robinson write very briefly in their excellent book "The Medieval fortified buildings of Cumbria" about Plumpton Hall...but with no discussion or decision on whether this building ever constituted a defensive manor. There seems to be no mention of towers that have been demolished here, or towers that have been swallowed by the later additions to the site. Still....a beautiful building in a beautiful location.

York Roman remains

2010-09-20T21:57:00.006+01:00

Roman remains in York

There are few Roman remains left in York....but what is still visible gives us a tantalising look back into the pre-Norman conquest history of the city. There is apparently even more of Roman York that remains buried beneath buildings and roads that will probably never see the light of day...so we'll have to make do with the 'odds and ends' that are dotted around the city's streets.

The Roman fort of Eboracum sits on land where the rivers Foss and Ouse meet, making an effective defensive plateau (even thought it dramatically floods from time to time) Eboracum sits at the centre of a very effective network of roads, forts and towns, and would have enabled the occupying Roman army to maintain control of the unruly Northern areas of Britain. The fort enclosed an area of around fifty acres, not including the vast town town that grew up outside the fort's walls. The fort had four gates in the centre of each wall, and its vast defences consisted of earth and clay ramparts topped with a wooden palisades, and outer ditches and berms providing additional defence.

Above. A surviving portion of the fortress wall at Exhibition Square.

It's thought that this small portion of exposed wall, represents part of the fortress wall, possibly linking up with the Multangular tower in the Museum gardens....it's certainly on the same alignment.

Above. A side view of the wall at Exhibition Square, showing how thick it was.

This bit of wall is about fifteen feet long, and about four feet wide.

Above. A view along Chapter House Street near York Minister.

According to a sign on the wall this street follows the course of the Via Decumana, a Roman road running from the headquarters of the fort here at York, to the North East gate.

Above. Roman interval tower remains below the wall along St Maurice's Road.

The interval tower shown above, was excavated in 1926 and the heavily consolidated walls left exposed for us to see.

Above. Roman East angle tower remains below the wall along St Maurice's Road

The angle tower shown above, was excavated in 1926 and the resulting walls were left uncovered. Heavily consolidated, these walls have been dug out to a depth of around two metres. Also to be seen here, although not from this angle (high up on the wall) is a portion of the curved fortress wall, appearing from the medieval walkway above it.

Roman shrine to Minerva, St Edgar's Field, Chester

2010-09-20T20:34:00.002+01:00

Roman shrine to Minerva

St Edgar's Field

Chester

According to Chesterwiki this the the last surviving rock-cut Roman shrine still standing in its original location in the whole of Western Europe. The shrine was dedicated to Minerva, the ancient Roman goddess of poetry, medicine, wisdom, commerce, weaving, crafts and magic, often associated with the Greek goddess Athena.

The shrine is thought to date from the rule of Vespasian, sometime around 79AD, and may have been positioned for travellers both entering and exiting the city of Chester to pay their respects for a good days travelling or trading.

Above. The Eastern side of the shrine, with the carved image of Minerva.

The carving is very badly weathered, but it is surprising that it has actually survived this long, considering both the effects of the weather and vandalism. One theory has it that the image of Minerva was thought to be that of the Virgin Mary, and was therefore saved from any religious vandalism.

Roman Quay, Chester

2010-09-20T20:30:00.004+01:00

Roman Quay

Chester

The remains of a Roman quay can be found hidden away at the foot of the medieval walls along Nun's Road, to the East of the race course. The quay lies at the point that Black Friars road intersects Nun's Road. The remains consist of an earth covered mound of cut red sandstone, and represent the last remnants of a riverside quay that would have been used to load and unload ships as they sailed up the River Dee to this point. The river would have lapped the foot of the wall here, some four or five metres below the current ground level, providing a good deep, navigable river for the Romans to use. The river silted up over the course of about two thousand years, and receded away to the West. The medieval walls were built on top of the Roman remains, and the race course now occupies the old flood plain.

Above. Looking along the wall towards the scant remains of the quay.

There's not really much to see, but it's interesting to know that it's there as you walk along the walls above it.

South East angle tower, Chester

2010-09-20T20:27:00.001+01:00

South East angle tower

Chester

Roman Amphitheatre, Chester

2010-09-20T19:33:00.004+01:00

Roman Amphitheatre

Chester

The Roman Amphitheatre at Chester, lies just North of the River Dee, sandwiched between Souter's Lane and Little John Street. On its Eastern boundary sits the Norman church of St John the Baptist, and on its Western boundary the city walls run.

Above. Looking West towards the Newgate.

Above. Looking East towards the church of St John the Baptist.

Above. The temple of Nemesis.

Above. A view from within the Amphitheatre looking towards the Newgate.

Above. Looking into the Amphitheatre from the East.

Above. The entrance into the Amphitheatre.

Above. Another view looking West across the Amphitheatre.

Interior shots of Clifford's Tower, York

2010-09-18T18:44:00.003+01:00

Interior photos of Clifford's Tower

York

Yorkshire

I thought I'd include some of the photos of the interior of Clifford's tower in York. These were taken during my May 2010 visit, and until now, haven't been used on the web site.

Above. Looking South East over the gatehouse tower, towards the University of York.

This is my favourite view from the wall walk high up on the tops of the tower's walls. The gatehouse can be seen in the centre of the photo, with its tiled and steepled cap. The gatehouse contains a staircase to the upper floors, built into the thickness of the walls, and there are two more spiral staircases to the left and right, again, each built into the thickness of the walls. These provide access to the passages and rooms built within the walls, and also the wall walk three storeys above.

Above. Looking down into the interior of the tower.

Looking down from the wall walk high above, the interior of the tower appears to be an empty void. Originally however, the area shown in the photo above, and those below, would have been under a roof, and would have contained rooms...kitchens, living quarters, a hall and store rooms. Now all we see as proof of this long lost collection of domestic rooms, is a single octagonal column base, which would probably have provided a central strong point for floors and roofs.

Above. Looking at the Northern part of the interior of the tower.

All the interior masonry has now gone, and drawings and etchings from the early 1800's, show that the interior of the tower has been empty for some time. Of course, much of the central building would have been constructed of wood as well, and as there have been a number of fires here at the castle, it's hardly surprising that there is now a huge void between the tower's walls.

Above. A view at ground floor level towards the North West of the tower.

The walls over the gatehouse house a small chapel, with arcading set into the walls. Such were the cramped confines of this relatively small castle, that when the portcullis was raised, it was projected into the chapel, and would have obscured the decorative wall.

Above. A view at ground floor level towards the gatehouse.

The entire interior of the tower is accessible for a small fee, and the climb to the summit of the motte is well worth the effort. Make sure you take the time to walk around the wall walk, as the views out across York are fantastic.

Brough Castle, Brough

2010-09-13T20:15:00.008+01:00

Brough Castle

Brough

Cumbria

You'll hopefully forgive me for the number and size of images in this set of photos.....Brough just seems to be one of those sites that requires lots of photos from lots of different angles to do it justice. I need to pay a few return visits to make sure that this castle gets the coverage it deserves....it's a beautiful building an a fantastic location....added to which is an interesting and varied history.

Above. Looking North towards the gatehouse (left) and Clifford's Tower (far right)

Brough village lies about six miles North of Kirkby Stephen, and sits astride the A66. The village possesses a beautiful medieval church (St Michael) with Norman remains incorporated into its fabric, a huge Roman fort, and, built over the top of these earthworks, Brough castle. The castle lies at the Northern end of the earthworks surrounding the ancient Roman fort of Verteris. The castle stands on a natural steep slope, protected by Swindall Beck which runs beneath the North walls of the castle. The oldest parts of Brough Castle date from around 1100. At around this time, Northern England had been annexed from the Scots by William Rufus. The castle was built to safeguard routes from the North across the Pennines into Yorkshire and South into Westmorland and Lancashire. Excavations in the 1920’s showed that the castle had always been built from stone, and that the present keep rests on the foundations of the original Norman tower. Similar stonework exists in some portions of the curtain wall.

Above. A closer view of the gatehouse (left) and Clifford's Tower (right)

It’s likely that the layout as seen today, is the same as it was from the castle’s earliest days. The castle was built in an area that was continually fought over by Scottish and English monarchs. This seems to have been the case in 1173 and 1174. William the Lion invaded the North of England in 1173. He blockaded Carlisle, and marched his army South. Appleby was quickly overrun, then Brough was attacked. It is alleged that the castle was defended by six knights, each of whom would have had a large following. The bailey was overrun, and the defenders sought refuge in the keep. The attacking army set fire to the keep, which probably had a stone base and wooden superstructure. Some of the knights surrendered at this point, except one. He however, soon followed suit. The keep was all but destroyed, with the stone masonry remains the only surviving part of the castle. The remains provided the base for the new keep, the one that can be seen today. It was built in the late 12th century, and would have been the focal point of the castle as a whole.

Above. Looking East onto the foundations of the stables.

In 1203, King John gave the castle at Brough, along with the castle at Appleby and the lordship of Westmorland to Robert de Vieuxpont, the builder of Brougham castle. Vieuxpont built much of the castle at Brough as well. The gatehouse is attributed to him, as is the hall across the South end of the courtyard. However, Vieuxpont’s immediate relatives neglected the castle, and in 1254 it was described as being ‘decayed’.

Above. Looking at the North face of the keep.

Brough passed to the Cliffords in 1268. Robert Clifford began to carry out some major rebuilding works. He built a new hall on the same site of Vieuxpont’s hall. At the South end of the castle, he built a semi-circular tower known as ‘Clifford’s Tower’. This was the residence occupied by him and his family. He also undertook the restoration of the now decaying curtain wall. This was necessary work considering that the Scots were still a threat. The village of Brough was devastated by Scottish raids in 1314 and then again in 1319. In the early 1320’s, the castle garrison consisted of 15 men at arms and 20 Hobelers, light and heavy cavalry.

Above. Looking East towards the inner range of ruined buildings.

More building work was carried out at the castle in the late 14th century, during Roger Clifford’s ownership. The earlier hall was replaced as happened at Brougham, by a first floor hall set over a basement. The new hall was placed against the South curtain wall between Clifford’s Tower and the gatehouse. Brough castle escaped capture in the Scottish invasion of 1388, in which both Brougham and Appleby succumbed. Brough was usually the chosen place for the Cliffords to stay when they visited Westmorland. Roger’s hall was also added to, with buildings extending along the North side of the castle. The front of the gatehouse was also refaced. Most of this work was probably conducted by Thomas Clifford, who was later to die at the battle of St Albans in 1455 whilst fighting for Henry VI.

Above. Looking East towards the site of the kitchens and the 12th century hall block.

The castle was seriously burnt in 1521, after a great Christmas feast. All the wooden features of the castle appeared to have been destroyed in the fire, including floors, doors and windows, leaving the castle uninhabited until Lady Anne Clifford assumed ownership. Work began in 1659 to rebuild the castle. Lady Anne made a brief visit the same year, so work must have been at an advanced stage. An inscription commemorating her restoration work at the castle was put up at the end of 1663. Work on the castle was therefore probably finished by this date. In 1664, Lady Anne spent eight days in the newly refurbished castle, although it wasn’t until 1663 that she spent a longer time at the castle. She arrived on the 10th of November, and didn’t leave again until the 19th of April the following year. She visited for longer stays another three times, each time taking over the top floor of Clifford’s Tower.

Above. A view from inside the Southern inner range of buildings.

Lady Anne continued to make alterations to the castle, as well as building some stable blocks between the gatehouse and the keep, and a row of service buildings at the East end of the North curtain wall. After Lady Anne died, Brough fell into disrepair just like Brougham. Minor repairs to the roofs were made for a few years after her death, but these soon stopped in 1714. The following year, most of the roofs and fittings were sold for around £155. The stables along with parts of the gatehouse and hall were exempted from this sale, as Lord Thanet had plans to convert these buildings into a court room complex for the manor of Brough. There seems to be no record of how long these buildings served this purpose. And engraving dated 1739 shows that the stables had disappeared, and by 1763, a large portion of Clifford’s tower had been destroyed\dismantled to provide stone for the building of Brough Mill.

Above. A vaulted cellar beneath the site of the 14th century hall.

No effort seems to have been made thereafter to preserve the castle in any way. A report of 1919, states that extensive stone robbing had taken place, including the removal of moulded stones, lintels, staircase treads and pavements.

Above. A view of the first floor of the Southern range of buildings.

In 1920, the South West corner of the keep fell down, the remains of this collapse still visible today. The masonry still remains halfway down the steep earthworks, and a great open crack can be seen in the keep walls. Soon after the remains were consolidated, probably stopping any further decay.

Above. Panoramic view of the courtyard looking West towards the keep.

The gatehouse as seen today is very much mutilated and ruinous. It would have originally been three storeys tall. In the 17th century, and probably earlier, the top floor would have been used as a guest chamber. The first and second floors each had external windows, and the commemorative slab that Lady Anne had mounted on the gateway arch stone would have been mounted here. The engraved slab was reputedly put under the water wheel at Brough Mill.

Above. A view along the Northern curtain wall towards the keep.

On either side of the entrance to the gatehouse, were pyramidal shaped buttresses, probably ornamental, although the gatehouse was designed to resist attack. There would have been a nail studded door at the gatehouse, and in earlier times there is the possibility that there would have been a portcullis and drawbridge.

Above. The inner range of buildings built against the Southern curtain wall.

The courtyard today is largely empty. The keep stands at the West end of the complex, with Clifford’s Tower at the South East corner. The stables were built along the inside of the South curtain wall, with the Great Hall and the inner range also along the inside of the South curtain wall, but between the gatehouse and Clifford’s Tower. The gatehouse was also in the South wall. The kitchen and the bake house were both built against the inside of the North curtain wall, along with the brew house and the latrines (which can still be seen) The site of the 12th century hall was against the inside of the East curtain wall.

Above. A view of the gatehouse from within the courtyard.

Most of the rough sand stone cobbling in the courtyard is probably medieval. Along the North curtain wall, to the left of the brew house, a latrine survives, which would have discharged into Swindale Beck below.

Above. An oblique view of the interior of the gatehouse.

The first building to your left as you enter the castle’s courtyard would have been the stables. The large size of the stables indicates that the castle would have been home a large number of people.

Above. Earthworks at the foot of Clifford's Tower, looking East towards Brough village.

The keep would originally have had four corner turrets. There may be the remains of pigeon coups on the South and East side of the keep….providing some food for the residents. As at Brougham, the entrance to the keep would have been at the first floor, accessed by a flight of stone steps in Lady Anne’s time. The doorway to which these stairs would have led has long since vanished, as has most of the East wall of the keep. The base of the staircase can still be seen though.

Above. The gatehouse and outer range of buildings.

The basement of the keep acted as a store for the upper floors. It would have been entered by stairs from the floor above. The door in the North wall was made by Lady Anne. There are still remains of white plaster on the walls. This would have been done to increase the light in the dim rooms.

Above. Earthworks outside the Southern curtain wall, and current inhabitants!

Originally the keep would have had only two storeys over the basement, connected by a spiral staircase in the North East corner with a steeply gabled roof over the top. The outline of this roof can still be seen. This was later replaced with a higher roof, which allowed for another floor to be added to the keep. This additional floor was used as guest housing in Lady Anne’s time.

Above. The keep from outside the curtain wall, looking North West.

The steeply gabled roof of this portion of the keep was an ingenious addition to this part of the castle. Brough lacks a well, so the roof allowed for rainwater to be drained away from the roof and collected in an indentation in the middle. Thomas Machell does show a well attached to the castle, although this is sited outside the gatehouse.

Above. Looking East towards Brough village.

These three buildings lay in the North East corner of the courtyard, against the inside of the curtain wall. All were built by Lady Anne Clifford as part of the refurbishment of the castle. A coal hole was also built at this time, in 1669, although this has long since vanished. The castle would have paid hearth tax on 24 chimneys at this time. These buildings were one storey tall, and would have had a continuous slate roof.

Above. Earthworks at the foot of the keep on its South side.

This room was situated on the ground floor of Clifford’s Tower in the late 17th century. The square windows that can still be seen were put in by Lady Anne when she rebuilt large sections of the castle after the fire of 1521.

Above. Looking East towards the gatehouse.

These buildings, in the South East corner of the courtyard area mish-mash of two ranges of buildings. They consist of some late 14th century buildings built against some mid 15th century buildings. Two windows can be seen mid way up the wall….these would have lit the hall, as like at Brougham, the hall was on the first floor.

Above. My favourite view of the castle, from the West.

From the hall, a staircase would have led up to the Great Chamber on the top floor of Clifford’s Tower. This room would have served as a dining room for senior members of Lady Anne’s family. Her own chambers would have been reached by walking through this room. There were also chambers for her steward and her secretary and for a butler. An ‘evidence’ room also existed here, where valuables and papers were kept.

Above. A view of the earthworks to the West of the castle's keep.

Above. A view of the keep and Northern curtain wall from within the deep moat. Note the two chutes from the latrines built into the thickness of the curtain wall.

Above. A view of the North East side of Clifford's Tower from within the deep moat.

Above. Looking towards the North East side of Clifford's Tower from the adjacent earthworks.

Above. Clifford's Tower from the South East.

Holyrood Palace defences, Edinburgh

2010-09-06T22:10:00.004+01:00

Holyrood Palace

Edinburgh

Scotland

It's hard to believe that Holyrood palace could have provided its Royal inhabitants with any degree of safety.....let alone defence. But, the palace started life as a Royal bolt-hole....to all intents and purposes, a thinly disguised castle. Most of the defensive qualities have long since been re-modelled or demolished and replaced, but some elements remain, and can still be seen. For the palace's history, and some additional photos, check this link.

Above. A view of the palace from the West.

James IV commenced building his Royal palace here in the late 1400's. Indeed, the tower to the left of the photo above, was mostly complete by around 1505 (probably having been started in 1498). This tower is commonly known as James IV's tower, and is all that remains (apart from one half of the gatehouse) of his attempt at fortifying his palace. The tower consists of a central rectangular block, with three corner turrets. The stone work of the tower is significantly different to that of its neighbour, rougher and of a different colour, indicating the difference in age.

Above. A closer view of the James IV tower.

An engraving dated 1650, shows the James IV tower as the only corner structure at this time. It was no doubt built as a stout and secure residence for the King, away from the more military comforts of Edinburgh Castle. The walls of both the central block, and the three towers are much thicker than the more modern tower to the right of the top photo, and the interior is split by a thick cross wall. The palace as a whole was remodelled by James V and later monarchs.

Above. The South side of the 15th century gatehouse.

The gatehouse, otherwise known as Abbey Pend, was also added to the palace by James IV, at roughly the same time as the tower. Originally this would have been a long building with a narrow passageway leading off Canongate. All that now remains, is the Southern side of the gatehouse. There are some great photos of the gatehouse here at Castleuk. The gatehouse was extended over the course of sixteen years (1647 to 1663) and eventually almost totally dismantled in 1753. Again, the rougher stone work of parts of this building, demonstrate the age compared to neighbouring buildings.

Cunswick Hall, Nr Kendal

2010-08-29T20:37:00.005+01:00

Cunswick Hall

Cunswick Fell near Kendal

Cumbria

It will still be a while before I manage to get a photo of the only remaining part of the fortifications here at Cunswick....the gatehouse is the last vestige of any medieval defences here, the tower having been demolished over four hundred years ago.

Above. A view of the hall from the top of Scout Scar to the South.

The hall lies about two miles West of Kendal, well and truly off the beaten track, but accessible and viewable from the public footpath that runs to the East of the property. From here, unfortunately, only the more modern house can be seen....the gatehouse is hidden within the farm yard and shielded from view by other outbuildings.

The gatehouse is situated in the building just in front of the modern house in the photo shown here. It consists of a two storey building with a low arched thoroughfare, which, some records show, may have been rebuilt or remodelled. At any cost, the gatehouse probably dates from the late 15th or early 16th century, and possesses a Tudor coat of arms above the external (southern) arch. The Grade II listed status of the gatehouse, states that the possible remains of a garderobe or a stair case can be seen in the thickness of the wall. Dennis R. Periam and John Robinson, in their excellent The Medieval Fortified Buildings of Cumbria, have this as a stair case, built into the South wall. The gatehouse can only be viewed from within the farm yard, and as this is private property I've not been able (or brave enough) to get any photos.

The pele tower that is said to have sat behind the gatehouse and probably within a walled courtyard, was demolished in 1582, probably to make way for a more comfortable and larger hall. This building too has been demolished, to make way for the more modern building seen today, which is reputed to still have some original medieval glass in one of the windows...locally said to be the oldest glass in Westmorland (the Southern part of modern day Cumbria)

The original hall, tower, courtyard and gatehouse were built by the de Leybourne family, and would have been the seat of the family. Indeed, the Leybournes were living here up until 1715, when the hall and the Leybourne estates passed to the crown as forfeiture for their backing of the Jacobite rising. The estates then became the property of Thomas Crowle in 1721, before finally falling into the vast Lowther estates thereafter.

The hall originally sat at the Southern end of a large parked area, existing up until the late 1500's. This park would have included the tarn to the North East, and a small number of rabbit warrens to the North. These are still visible on aerial photos, albeit faintly.

Above. Memorial to the last of the Leybournes, hanging in Kendal Parish church.

The memorial shown above, commemorates John Leybourne, the last of the Leybourne family in these parts of Westmorland. It is to be found just outside the Bellingham Chapel in the Parish church in Kendal, underneath Robert Phillipson's sword and helmet. The Leybourne family suffered as a result of their continued support of the Stewart claim to the throne. They were fined on many occasions and even had lands and estates removed in 1715. In 1583, James Leybourne was executed at Lancaster after refusing to acknowledge the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. It may have been as a consequence of this, that the pele tower was demolished (1582) They Leybourne family were also resident at Skelsmergh Hall to the North of Kendal, another fortified manor with a tower.

The walk that leads you past the farm, can be accessed from a number of places. It can be accessed from the North, from the B5284, Kendal to Windermere road, about five hundred yards from Plumgarth's farm shop, or from the Underbarrow road which runs from the West of Kendal. Both footpaths are signposted Cunswick Scar, and offer great views out over Lyth Valley and the surrounding fells.

Tower E, Bootham, York

2010-08-08T22:03:00.003+01:00

Tower E
Bootham
York

Tower E can be found about two hundred feet East of Tower D. It is partially obscured by modern buildings, but where there is a gap between two of the street side buildings, about half of the tower is visible together with some of its connecting wall.

Again, this tower was most likely built in 1266. Like Tower D, it still possesses most of its crenelations and parapet walk.

Tower D, Bootham, York

2010-08-08T21:22:00.002+01:00

Tower D

Bootham

York

Tower D is situated on Bootham, at the Northern extremes of the abbey precincts. The tower would have formed part of the abbey defences, linking with the city walls at Bootham.

Above. Tower D looking South East.

The tower was most likely built around 1266, and may represent the original form that Tower A and Tower B may taken. It probably stands to its full original height, and still retains its crenelations and a narrow parapet walk.

Above. Tower D from Bootham road side.

This is a really well preserved tower, and easily viewable from the road side.

Tower C, Marygate, York

2010-08-08T21:00:00.002+01:00

Tower C

Marygate

York

Tower C lays about about four hundred feet North of Tower B, and is a totally different structure. The early 13th century towers were simpler round towers, whilst this tower is square, open to the rear, and a much later addition to the abbey's precinct defences.

Above. Tower C looking North towards Bootham.

Comparing this tower with others elsewhere on the City walls, it's possible to date it to around 1318. The huge arrow slits, three in total, fit into this time frame.

Above. A close up view of Tower C looking South down Marygate.

Above. Another view of Tower C looking down Marygate.

The tower projects about ten feet from the face of the wall. Unfortunately the tower backs onto private property, so it wasn't possible to inspect the interior. The tower was restored in 1952.

Tower B, Marygate, York

2010-08-08T20:50:00.002+01:00

Tower B

Marygate

York

Tower B is a 19th century reconstruction of a tower that was previously demolished. We know that there was an original tower in this position, as it is shown on maps from as late as 1682. It does not appear on maps dated 1700, so must have been demolished sometime after the late 1680's.

Above. Tower B looking North up Marygate.

Tower B lies about two hundred feet North of Tower A, is slightly taller than its sibling and projects an identical five feet from the face of the wall.

Above. Tower B looking South down Marygate.

If the 19th century reconstruction of the tower is correct, and Tower B was the same as Tower A, the original would have been built around 1266. It is not known why the original was demolished, or even if it collapsed due to neglect or siege damage.

Tower A, Marygate, York

2010-08-08T20:42:00.005+01:00

Tower A

Marygate

York

Tower A lays less than a hundred feet North of the Water tower on Marygate, and is now little more than an empty stone shell of its former self.

Above. The tower looking North up Marygate.

This tiny tower was probably built in 1266, and altered over the course of the next hundred years or so. It is now a semi-circular structure, about ten feet in diameter and hollow on the inside. The tower projects about five feet beyond the front face of the wall.

Above. The tower looking South towards the River Ouse.

The above photo shows the tower looking towards the river. The Water tower is hidden below the brown stone wall visible at the end of the road. It's likely that much stone has been removed from the top of both the wall and the tower here, as both are no more than six feet high now.

The Water Tower, York

2010-08-08T20:28:00.003+01:00

The Water Tower

Marygate

York

The water tower lays at the South Western corner of the abbey precincts, and marks the end of the Marygate walls at the river's edge. The tower is thought to have been built sometime between 1318 and 1324.

Above. A view of the Water tower from the Yorkshire Eye across the river Ouse.

The tower is circular in plan, with a hexagonal interior. There are five arrow slits in the thick walls, and a door to the rear.

Above. The tower from the river side showing one of the huge arrow slits.

The small postern attached to the tower, shown above, is of no great antiquity. The tower is thought to have originally been crenelated, although the top portion of the structure is now missing, and was also two storey high.

Above. Another view of the Water tower from the river side.

The tower is accessible from the footpath that runs West along the river from Lendal Bridge. Marygate is then directly accessible from this point....just in case you want to continue your walk around the walls!

Marygate walls, York

2010-08-08T17:44:00.004+01:00

Marygate walls

Marygate

York

Yorkshire

The abbey of St Mary is surrounded by a lightly defensible precinct wall, incorporating towers and gates. The portion that runs down Marygate, from Bootham to the North banks of the River Ouse is almost completely intact, and includes five towers.

Above. St Mary's tower at the Northern corner of the abbey precinct defences.

Built sometime between 1318 and 1324 by Stephen de Austewyk, St Mary's tower has changed much over the years. It is a two storey structure, around thirty four feet in diameter, with an octagonal interior. It was badly damaged during the 1644 siege of York, and subsequently rebuilt. The tower was mined by Parliamentarian forces during the attack, with an explosion beneath its foundations almost totally destroying it. The subsequent breach in the walls enabled Cromwell's army to gain access to the city, fighting their way to the King's Manor. However the attack was soon repelled with many injured and killed. The tower was rather crudely rebuilt, with much thinner walls, and some rather inexplicable external faults...still visible today.

Above. Looking South along Marygate.

The walls along Marygate stretch from St Mary's tower right down to the River Ouse, some four hundred and fifty meters in total. For most of the way down Marygate, the walls still stand to between fifteen and twenty feet tall.

Above. Looking North along Marygate towards St Mary's tower on Bootham.

The wall appears to be quite thin along this stretch of wall (shown below)....whether this is a more recent state, or whether it has always been this way I'm not sure. There were buildings and houses built right up against the wall (on the grass strip shown above) up until the early part of the 20th century, but they were removed at some point, leaving us with the views we can see today.

Above. Looking South along Marygate with one of the walls towers visible.

The walls along Marygate were built around 1266, with a license to crenellate granted some considerable time later. The wording of the license is as follows "Licence for the abbot and convent of St. Mary's, York, to crenellate their abbey, which is without the city of York, but is contiguous thereto, provided that the wall to be constructed between the abbey and the wall of the city shall not exceed 16 feet in height and shall not be crenellated." (Many thanks to Philip Davis and the Gatehouse web site)

Above. A gun loop in the wall along Marygate.

The gun loop shown above would probably have been added during the run up to the 1644 siege of York. Many changes and repairs would most likely have taken place during the civil war, as the defending Royalist garrison realised that Cromwell would send his army against the city. Gun loops would have been added to various parts of the city's walls, to enable the defenders to deploy muskets to aid the city's defence. There is another loop a few yards away from this one.

Above. Looking North towards the River Ouse on Marygate.

The walls around St Mary's Abbey appear to differ from the major walls of the city in one important way, in that they did not possess a stone walkway behind the crenellations. There may have been a wooden walkway for any patrolling of the precinct walls, but this has obviously not survived. It may be that the walls here were more of a symbolic protection, visibly separating the grounds of the abbey from the rest of the city of York.

The walls are visible from Marygate, from Bootham down to the river. From the gateway near the church of St Olave, the interior of the lower stretch of the wall is also visible.

St Olave's gatehouse, York

2010-08-03T18:56:00.003+01:00

St Olave's gatehouse

Marygate

York

Yorkshire

It would appear from some internet sources, that the roof of St Olave was used as a gun platform during the siege of York in 1644. Between June the 3rd and June the 16th, Parliamentarian forces pounded York from a number of positions around the city, including the gun emplacement built on the roof of the church. As a result, it would seem that the Royalist forces within the city walls returned fire, badly damaging the church and its attendant buildings. Rebuilding didn't really take place until the early 18th century, when all the damage was finally made good using stone from the now ruined St Mary's Abbey next door. This has echoes of St John the Baptist in Chester, and that particular church's use in the siege of that city.

Above. Looking North East up Marygate.

The walls that run along Marygate suddenly end half way along the nave of the church of St Olave. I think this small portion of wall was probably dismantled when the church was rebuilt and extended in around 1466. For some reason it seems to have been deemed safe for the North wall of the Nave to replace the otherwise sturdily built defensive city walls.

Above. The interior North East wall of the gatehouse.

The gatehouse would originally have been a fully covered structure, with gates at the street end (Marygate) and at the other end. As with gatehouses at other great monastic sites, such as Furness and Shap, the gatehouse would have been used for security rather than defence, and would have enabled the administrators of St Olaves to control the flow of traffic to and from the abbey precincts. Gatehouses for these religious houses would most likely have also provided them with a certain degree of autonomy from the city of York's administrative bodies, essentially separating the abbey from the city....emphasising their place in the social structure of the time.

Above. The interior South West wall of the gatehouse.

From what I can gather, the gatehouse was probably built during the 15th century, although parts of the external walls attached to the archway are thought to be 12th century, probably indicating that there was an earlier structure on this site. The lodge attached to the gatehouse would have been used as accommodation for important guests.

Above. Looking onto Marygate.

Check this link out for further information on St Olaves.

Old Sedgwick Gunpowder works, Near Sedgwick\Natland

2010-07-18T18:52:00.002+01:00

Old Sedgwick Gunpowder works,

Near Sedgwick\Natland

Cumbria

Visible from Hawes Bridge over the River Kent, some two miles South of Kendal, and about a mile West of Natland, the remains of the weir and mill race can still be seen in the waters of the River Kent.

Above. Looking South along the River Kent.

Looking at the photo above and below....the scant remains of the weir and mill race can still be seen. There is a large inlet and then a narrower channel that runs along the far river bank. This would have originally have channeled water from the river, into a fast flowing head race, which would then have directed the water towards a wheel pit with a water wheel in. This wheel would have been used to power mills for milling and preparing the gunpowder.

Above. Looking South along the River Kent.

Above. From the river side, the weir is all but hidden.

The Old Sedgwick gun powder works operated from 1764 until 1850. It was the earliest gunpowder works in the area.

Sedgwick Gunpowder Works, Nr Sedgwick

2010-07-18T17:35:00.007+01:00

Low Sedgwick Gunpowder works

Near Sedgwick
Cumbria

Low Park Wood caravan site lies on the West banks of the River Kent, shrouded in trees and very private, and only about a quarter of a mile North West of the village of Sedgwick. Walking around the caravan site, the remains of buildings, mill races, leats and curious earthworks abound. The works here at Sedgwick, operated from 1857 until 1935, and have left an all too visible reminder of the work that once took place here.

Above. Looking into the remains of the incorporating mills.

The company was established by Walter Charles Strickland of Sizergh Castle, and John Hudson of Kendal in January 1857. The Sedgwick Gunpowder Company Ltd was granted its license on the 9th of April 1857, with John Hudson as Chairman, and William Cartmell as the resident Manager. £20,000 capital was made available to the company, with the intention of creating a state of the art mill, producing top quality powder. A 21 year lease was drawn up for the rental of the river banks at Kidd Holme and Low Park Wood. In 1858 there were eight men working at the works, but this was soon to change when Walter Strickland was able to recruit more men from further afield.

Above. Looking into the remains of the incorporating mills.

The River Kent is a fast flowing river, and with construction of a wooden weir across its width, a long head race was constructed...over 700 yards long, and with a total drop of around 20 feet. The head race, much of which survives to this day, was nine feet wide and originally five feet deep, although very much silted up these days. The head race was constructed of stone, and lined with concrete. The stone used to build this important structure, was quarried from a small quarry opened nearby on the Eastern side of the river.

Above. Looking along the now dry leat.

Above. A still water filled stretch of the leat.

The head race initially powered six incorporating mills, all of which were driven by a single 37 foot water wheel which generated an impressive 90hp.

Above. Looking into the remains of the incorporating mills.

Either side of the wheel, were three mills taking their power from a square shaft which was turned by a ring wheel attached to each side of the water wheel. These three mills had stone runners, each of which weighed in the region of four and a half tonnes and had a diameter of seven feet.

Above. Looking into a dry stretch of the leat.

Above. Another water filled, river side stretch of the leat.

Above. The leat, very near to where water is diverted into it from the River Kent.

Water from the head race fell into the wheel pit and from here, flowed out into an underground culvert that flowed for a further 100 yards back into the river. An alternative leat was used to carry water to the sawmill where a turbine was powered.

Above. Looking into the remains of the wheel pit (minus the water wheels)

The corning machinery from Greenock in Scotland, was manufactured by a company called Messrs. Hastie and was situated next to the head race, just to the North of the incorporating mills. The sulphur house, situated to the East of the incorporating mills, was the largest building at Sedgwick. The Gaze house stood next to the river side. This building was powered by its own eighteen foot water wheel, which took water from the head race. North of the glaze house stood the stove house, used to dry the gunpowder in temperatures of around 126 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature was maintained for twelve to fifteen hours a day. In 1858 the only other buildings here at Sedgwick were the mixing house and the cooperage, which still stand today. There was no tramway to move powder and materials at this early stage of the works life, so everything had to be moved by hand in barrows and carts. Although limited amounts of powder were being produced at this time and were being sold to both domestic and foreign markets, by 1858, the Sedwick Gunpowder Company Ltd was in serious financial trouble. Although the infrastructure was sound, the company was underfunded and was not able to produce the amounts of powder necessary. In June 1864, the company ceased trading due to lack of funds, and by September of the same year, it was officially wound up.

Above. Looking into the remains of the incorporating mills.

It wasn't long before a new company, imaginatively named the New Sedgwick Gunpowder Company Ltd appeared on the scene, no doubt eager to make use of the foundations laid by the previous company. The company was backed by a group of Manchester businessmen, with a starting investment of £50,000 raised through the issue of £10 shares. The new company, headed by Henry Swinglehurst from Appleby, set about building a new set of mills in addition to the existing ones. A new twenty foot water wheel was built, as well as a tramway and a storage magazine. It is estimated that these additional building works cost around £8,000. The new mills operated eight hour shifts, and as a result were able to produce over 4,000lbs of powder a week.

Above. Looking into the remains of the incorporating mills.

The new company utilised the areas two main transport systems...the canal, which was only a few miles away, and the railway. Both forms of transport were used to bring the inward bound raw materials, and the outward bound finished products. The port at Milnthorpe was also used for the shipment of finished powder.

Above. Looking into the remains of the incorporating mills.

On the 22nd of October 1871, the New Sedgwick mills experienced first hand the unpredictable nature of the very substance they were striving to produce. During the course of some maintenance work, a spark from a chisel being used on the roof of the press house, ignited powder residue, causing a substantial flash explosion. Thomas Jackson was flung, together with the whole of the roof, into the air, suffering two broken arms and a fractured skull. Two other workers standing nearby suffered serious burns. Thomas Jackson was later to die from his injuries. Re-building work was slow to commence, and even slower to complete, extending well into 1872.

Above. Looking towards the incorporating mills.

The mills suffered yet another explosion, on the 24th of April 1874, when William Dodgson and Will Booth both suffered burns after an explosion in the corning house. Both men survived and continued to work for the company. The next year, on the 30th of June (1875) there was yet another explosion at the mill. The corning house exploded, followed a split second later by the press house. This time there was significant loss of life. William Booth, survivor fo the 1874 explosion died, as did Charles Page and William Dalzell. William Dodgson, also a survivor of the 1874 explosion, died of his injuries later that night. As a result of this accident, both the corning house and press house were completely destroyed, along with all the machinery employed in these two buildings. As well as the sad loss of life, the destruction of the buildings and machinery cost the company in the region of £500. The whole site had to be shut down whilst repairs and rebuilding works were undertaken. 1878 saw another two explosions on site, albeit with no further loss of life and minimum damage.

1880 and 1881 saw the company experimenting with the manufacture of gun powder cartridges. New machinery was brought in and a new hydraulic press was constructed, powered by water from the head race. Unfortunately for the company, the processes they were using were already under patent, and a legal challenge was mounted. A date was set for the hearing to take place, but it never happened, so the works were able to continue manufacturing their new products. The company further expanded its line of products, by adding compressed powder pellets to its catalogue, for use in coal mines.

The 12th of April 1883 saw perhaps the worst accident at Sedgwick in its 78 year operational history. This time, the cartridge house, situated about three hundred yards from the main site office, exploded. Such was the ferocity of this blast, it was heard in Kendal and witnesses attest to the bright white light the explosion emitted, closely followed by thick black smoke. Three men were killed in this enormous blast. James Shepherd died a few hours after the explosion. His colleague Henry Cheeseman also died a few hours after the accident. Arthur Cheeseman, Henry's uncle died two days later. Although the death toll was only three, the sheer size of the explosion seems to have destroyed a huge amount of machinery and buildings. An inquest cleared the company of any wrong doings and blame.

In 1885, one of the incorporating mills was struck by lightening, killing a powder man. In 1886, the company was purchased by Henry Swinglehurst who had managed to buy out his fellow investors and owners. The company was renamed as the New Sedgwick Gunpowder Company Ltd. Henry appointed his son, J.A. Swinglehurst as manager and the company became a family interest. The new company employed in the region of fifty people and was now producing around twenty five tonnes of powder a week. Henry Swinglehurst died in 1895, control of the company being handed over to his son.

1900 saw the technology for power production at the works greatly improved, with the addition of turbines built by Gilkes and Son of Kendal.

Above. The cooperage and saw mill, with the remains of the turbine tower.

Five turbines were installed creating a total output of around 50hp. The water wheels, head race and leats were all but redundant.

Above. The leat flowing into a small wheel pit to power the cooperage.

Above. The remains of one of the Gilbert and Gilkes turbines.

1903 saw yet another huge explosion at the works, again as the result of sparks from maintenance work being carried out. The 30th of March explosion saw the deaths of two of workers, James Shaw and Edmond Newton. The glazing house exploded as a result of sparks from a bronze hammer being wielded by Edmond Newton, who was engulfed by the explosion. In total, it's estimated that around 8100lbs of powder exploded. This huge explosion sent red hot debris flying onto the roof of the corning house, which contained an additional 1000lbs of powder....it wasn't long before this too exploded.

It seems that the later years were nothing but a list of accidents and explosions....23rd June 1906, was no different. The weather was warm and muggy, with thunder storms rumbling in the distance. Sometimes toward 11pm a flash and a loud clap of thunder heralded a huge explosion, emanating from the press house. Lightening had struck this building igniting powder stored here. The ensuing investigation into this explosion, which had damaged the press house, number eight mill and number nine mill, concluded that there may have been three lightening strikes in very quick succession. It was lucky that not only were there no deaths in this incident, no-one was even injured. It's ironic that the only building totally destroyed by the lightening strikes, the press house, was also the only building that had been kitted out with a lightening conductor.

Above. Possibly one of the stove buildings.

In 1917 the company was acquired by Explosives Trades Ltd, and the Swinglehursts finally let go of the company. The company then changed hands again, in 1920, this time it was taken over by Nobel Industries Ltd. The new owners introduced new production methods and new machinery, including a mass of hydraulic equipment. The new machinery enabled workers to produce up to one hundred cartridges at a time, whereas before the older equipment had limited them to about eight. Sedgwick was now producing about 11,000lbs of cartridges a week by now. In 1926, the final owners took over, ICI, who had started to buy up many of the powder works in Cumbria. Very little of any substance appears to have happened between 1926 and 1935, when the Sedgwick works finally closed. All we are left with now, are the intriguing buildings, walls, channels and mounds of earth dotted around this river side location....a living memorial to those that lived, worked and lost their lives here.

Information on Cumbria's gunpowder industry.

Some additional information from English Heritage.

A community web site with some great information about the local area.

Victoria Bridge, Kendal

2010-07-01T22:24:00.002+01:00

Victoria Bridge
Kendal
Cumbria

Victoria Bridge links Sandes Avenue with Station Road and carries the A6 over the River Kent. It was built in answer to demands for better access to the railway to the North East of town, with calls for a road along Sandes Close as early as 1867.

Above. A view of Victoria Bridge looking North West.

However...it wasn't until 1883 that Kendal Corporation decided to borrow around £25000 for the building of the new Sandes Avenue Road, and a bridge to carry it over the Kent. The designs for the new bridge were drawn up by a Mr Gilkes, and it was to be called "Victoria Bridge".

Above. Kendal's coat of arms, represented all along the parapet of Victoria Bridge.

It was opened to coincide with Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1887.

Argyll's Lodgings, Stirling

2010-06-01T19:13:00.006+01:00

Argyll's Lodgings
Mar Place
Stirling
Scotland

This beautiful Stirling town house can be found on Mar Place, a few yards from the bottom of the castle esplanade. It is a gem of a building...reputedly the most complete example of a 17th century town house in Scotland. It is included here on this web site as it is mentioned in Martin Coventry's The Castles of Scotland...firmly placing this building in the Tower House category of residences. Whether or not it was ever built with defence in mind we'll probably never know...but it was most certainly a very high status building, giving its occupants easy access to the Royal court of Stirling Castle. The house started life as an L-plan tower house. Looking at the photos, the oldest and original part of the building is the left hand wing, the L-plan tower. This part of the building dates from the late 1500's, and appears to have been at the very least, a secure and safe haven for its occupants, having thick walls, a vaulted kitchen and a stair turret at the inside angle. The walls to the rear, the front and the sides of this original portion of the building, have only the smallest of original windows at ground and first floor level, another indication of the safety features built into its fabric. There is a large hall on the first floor, designed for entertaining guests, and the room incorporates huge cupboards which would have been opened when guests were visiting, so that the family's plate could be shown off.

Above. A view into the courtyard.

The L-plan was soon to be swallowed up by additions to the building, with various periods of extension taking place through the late 16th century and early 17th century. The original building was built by John Traill, a wealthy Stirling business man, but it soon passed to Sir William Alexander of Menstrie (1st Earl of Stirling and Viscount Canada) sometime during the 1630's. Sir William added his own touches to the building during his tenure, including finely decorated suites of public and private rooms. It then passed to the Campbell Earls of Argyll after William became bankrupt, around 1640, and it was they who were responsible for the next phase of building.

Above. The right hand, and newer turret in the courtyard.

The 9th Earl of Argyll expanded the property even further, building the turrets in the courtyard that display a French influence with their conical roofs. The Earl of Argyll expanded the building to the North and the South, and built the fine courtyard to the front of the property. The surviving painted decoration in the High Dining Room is from this period, and is an indication of the decoration that may once have been present in other parts of the building.

Above. The heraldic panel over the door.

The Earl of Argyll was executed in 1680 for refusing to accept Royal authority. The house and its contents were turned over to his wife upon his death. The house seems to have passed through the family, until, in 1764, it was sold by the 4th Earl of Argyll. It's a miracle that so much of the wood work, painted decorations and other original features are still here for us to see.

Above. The rear of the original L-plan tower house.

It became Crown Property, and so began a long period of non-domestic use. It was in use as a military hospital for many years, and even endured many visitors whilst it was employed as a Youth Hostel.

Above. The ruins of Mar's Wark and Holy Rude church from the back garden.

Above. The left hand, and original tower.

The house is now in the care of Historic Scotland, and through them tours can be arranged which allow you to see each and every room in the house. If you go to Stirling Castle, the tour is thrown in free when you pay for entrance to castle's grounds. It's well worth a visit and the tour guides are second to none...friendly, well informed and able to answer any questions.

Check this link out for further information on visiting Argyll's Lodgings.

York Castle, York

2010-05-31T15:33:00.003+01:00

York Castle
York
Yorkshire

York Castle lies at the junctions of Fishergate and Tower Street, where the Rivers Ouse and Foss meet. Today, the castle consists of Cliffords Tower and its immense motte, the museum, a short stretch of curtain wall (shown below) and two towers (also shown below)

Above. A view from the top of Cliffords Tower, looking out across the bailey area towards the South.

Above. The Southernmost surviving tower on Tower Street.

About eighty five metres of wall survives at the Southern end of the castle, with two large towers still standing. This portion of wall and the towers are thought to have been built around 1250, but have undergone rebuilding and repairs from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. From air photos, the tower shown above (the Southern most tower) is three quarters round, whilst the tower shown in the last photo, is only half round. Both are now incorporated into the museum buildings.

Above. The Southernmost tower from another angle.

Above. The second of the two surviving towers can just be seen above the building in the foreground.

Above. A view looking back towards Cliffords Tower.

This is the official website of Cliffords Tower.

And this is the official website of York Museum.

Tower 32\Jewbury, York

2010-05-29T19:38:00.003+01:00

Tower 32
Jewbury
York
Yorkshire

Tower 32 is situated about a hundred yards West of tower 34, and sits at the angle of a dog leg in the walls. Sometimes referred to as the New Tower, its most formidable name was "novam turrim super cornerium versus le jubiry" in 1380.

Above. The marker that can be found in the floor of the wall walk.

The tower is one of the many oval shaped structures on the city's walls, and would originally have had a timber building on top of it.

Above. A view of the tower from outside the walls.

This link points to an interesting article on the Jewish cemetery here at York.

Tower 34, York

2010-05-29T19:24:00.003+01:00

Tower 34
Jewbury
York
Yorkshire

Situated at the North Eastern side of the city walls, at the junction of Layerthorpe, Peaseholme Green, Jewbury and Foss Island Road, this tower was previously known as the 'Lathorp Towere' and dates from around 1370.

Above. A view of the tower from across Foss Island Road.

The tower is built at an angle to the wall, and is supported on two buttresses, probably inserted to compensate for the marshy ground here.

The wall contains some poor quality repairs at this point, possibly dating from the 1644 siege of York. Layerthorpe Postern and its accompanying tower, stood to the East of Tower 34, but has long since gone. This tower marks the start of the walls at the Northern end of Foss Island Road, and is a great place to start your walk around York.

Fishergate Postern, York

2010-05-29T19:06:00.002+01:00

Fishergate Postern
Fishergate
York
Yorkshire

This small gateway is situated just a few yards South of the Castle and is attached to the Fishergate Tower. The postern is also referred to as St George's Postern, or Near the Skarletpit.

Above. The Fishergate Postern next to the Fishergate Tower.

Above. A view of the postern from outside the walls.

It consists of a simple 14th century archway, which was reset into the wall when the adjoining tower was built in the early 16th century. The postern still retains it portcullis slot, suggesting that it would once have been topped by a tower that would have housed any machinery to raise and lower the portcullis.

Above. The right jamb of the postern, showing the portcullis groove.

Above. A view of the postern from within the walls, showing the stairs to the wall walk on the left.

Iron hinges that would have had doors mounted on them, can still be seen.

Fishergate bar, York

2010-05-29T17:05:00.002+01:00

Fishergate Bar
York
Yorkshire

This small bar lays at the Southern end of the city, about a hundred yards South of the Fishergate Tower and postern. This is a simple gateway, consisting of a wide central arch with two smaller pedestrian arches either side. The central archway still has its portcullis groove. It is mentioned in documents of 1315, as Barram Fishergate, and later, in documents from 1401, rent details are mentioned, indicating that this gate may have had a house built over it.

Above. External view of the gate.

It's obvious that the gateway we see today is not the 14th or 15th century gateway, but a much changed structure, probably dating from 1442,43, when building works were recorded here, as well as the hanging of new wooden gates. A sketch dated 1675, shows the gate with two rectangular towers either side of the central arches.

Above. Internal view of the gate.

Fishergate Bar was badly damaged during rioting in 1489....rioting that came about as the result of Henry VII's taxation. It was not repaired, but bricked up instead. There were plans to open the bar and repair it in 1502, but it was not until 1827 that it was finally consolidated and re-opened.

The Red Tower, York

2010-05-29T15:22:00.005+01:00

The Red Tower
Foss Islands Road
York
Yorkshire

The Red Tower sits on the Eastern extremities of York's defences. It was the last line of defence at the Northern tip of the city's walls as they run along side what is now Foss Islands Road. There were no stone defences between the Red Tower and the Layerthorpe Postern (now gone) which left about a half mile gap in the walls. However....the land here was considered impassable due to the Kings Fishpool. This artificial marshland was created after 1069 when the Normans damned the River Foss where it joined the River Ouse. The result was that the moat around Cliffords Tower and the rest of the castle was filled with water, and the lower lying area upstream also became flooded thus creating the Kings Fishpool. It is estimated that around 100 acres of 'good farmland' was lost to the flooding of this area. At its widest point, this wetland was about a quarter of a mile wide.

Above. Looking North up Foss Island Road.

Nearly 600 hundred years later, the Kings Fishpool was still regarded as a significant barrier to anyone wanting to gain entry to the city of York. When the city was besieged by Parliamentarian forces in 1644 plans were drawn up for building a bridge over this area, to gain access to the city and bypass the walls and gates.

Above. The tower with wall stretching away to the South.

The Red Tower is a very different structure to that shown on sketches dated 1776. In these drawings, it is shown without a roof and the whole of its Western wall collapsed. It first appears in documents as 'The Rede tower in the water of the Foss', sometime around 1511. This document details the supply of artillery to the tower and the nearby walls, and also states that the base of the tower was lapped by the rivers waters.

Above. A view of the tower showing the garde-robe on the North wall.

The Red Tower is unusual in York, in that it is constructed of red brick. It is likely that this material was much cheaper than the lighter coloured stone used elsewhere in the city's towers and walls.

Above. A view of the tower looking North from the walls.

The fact that the tower was supplied with artillery in 1511 possibly indicates that it was already standing at this point in time. It may have been built sometime around 1490....a tower built of brick and by the brick layers instead of the masons is certainly mentioned at this time, causing friction between the two sets of craftsmen. The masons were traditionally employed to build the walls and towers, and were somewhat irked that the more lowly brick layers were favoured for this project.

The Red Tower is a small rectangular building, looking more like a small house than a defensive tower. It once stood to around thirty feet, but now stands to around twenty from floor to eves (the pitched roof is not original) The ground level has been raised here, burying about ten feet of wall. The tower was heavily repaired between 1541 and 1545, and plans of the building dated 1616, still show it with a flat roof.

Above. A view of the tower from outside the walls, looking North.

A photograph dated 1853, shows that further repairs had been carried out, with more repairs done in 1857. This final period of repair and rebuilding, essentially left us with the tower we see today. The ditch, dug out in 1645, is no longer visible, having been filled in.

Victoria Bar, York

2010-05-28T19:24:00.003+01:00

Victoria Bar
York
Yorkshire

This relatively modern gateway bridges Victor Street as the leaves the city on its Southern side. Opened in 1838, it was purely a functional gateway, enabling traffic to exit the city from the Nunnery Lane area.

Above. A view of the bar from outside the walls.

The gate consists of a central archway with two flanking pedestrian arches. The two additional arches were created in 1864 and 1867.

Above. A view of the bar from inside the walls.

As this gate was being built, an earlier but blocked gate was discovered, possibly representing a medieval gateway called Lounelith in historical records dating from the 12th century. This gate had been bricked up with huge stones, wooden piles and mounds of earth. There seems to be no historical information relating as to why this gateway would have been blocked, but one suggestion is that it was closed to secure York's defences in 1569, during the Northern rebellion.

The Davy Tower and Castlegate Walls, York

2010-05-28T19:03:00.003+01:00

The Davy Tower and Castlegate Walls
Castlegate
York
Yorkshire

Situated at the end of a short 100 metre stretch of wall that would have once connected the Davy Tower to the Castlegate Postern (now gone!) this tower probably doesn't feature on anyone's visit to York these days.

This stretch of wall, judging by some contemporary drawings of this specific area, does not appear to have ever been very substantial....although today it is even lower. This is partly due to the fact that the surrounding ground has been raised for added flood defences. The lower levels of the Davy Tower, and the wall leading off it, are buried beneath the earth for this reason.

There is a a very narrow wall walk on the inside of the wall, which may have been emboldened with a timber platform. Some of the wall's embrasures have been bricked up and the outer ditch, dug out in 1454, has long since been filled in.

The Davy Tower sits at the South Western end of this short stretch of wall, and probably dates from the early 1300's. It is mentioned in documents dated 1315 and again in 1380, as the Davytoure. It was also historically known as the Tower of the Friars Minor, due to its proximity to the Franciscan Friary.

Originally a rectangular building, it appears to have lost its North West angle. Hiding behind some bushes to the side, one of the tower's walls still contains an arrow slit and a small gun loop.

Above. A view of the tower from across the river.

Between 1731 and 1750, a brick summer house was incorporated into the South angle of the tower. The whole structure has now been converted to a house, and only the pale stone work now visible to a height of about ten feet, represents the remains of the medieval stone work.

Like Barker Tower and Lendal Tower, the Davy Tower would have been used to secure a chain across the River Ouse, with the other side of the chain being secured to the now demolished Skeldergate Postern tower.

Walmgate Bar, York

2010-05-25T18:44:00.003+01:00

Walmgate Bar
Walmgate
York
Yorkshire

This beautiful, almost complete gateway into the city of York, sits at the junction of Lawrence Street and Foss Islands Road. The earliest historical mention of the gateway is from documentation dating from the 12th century, and indeed, the earliest pieces of masonry here at Walmgate, date from the this period too. The Bar as we see it today, dates mostly from the 14th century, with only the inner arch of the main gateway dating from the earlier (12th century) period.

Above. A view of the beautifully restored interior of Walmgate Bar.

The Bar is two storeys tall and has two corbel led bartizans on its external face. It also retains its portcullis and the huge 15th century oak doors.

Above. A view of the exterior of the Bar, showing the barbican.

The interior timber extension is supported on two stone columns, and dates from a 1584\86 period of repair.

Above. A full length view of the barbican.

Walmgate Bar has suffered much over the years, and has subsequently undergone years of repair and rebuilding. In 1489 the Bar was damaged by fire, as was Fishergate Bar. Walmgate was defensively strengthened in 1511, with the addition of artillery.

Above. Looking down the barbican into the city.

The Bar was assaulted during the siege of York in 1644, when canon fire was directed on it from Lamel Hill, and from the church yard of St Lawrence. The Bar was also mined at this time, by the attacking Parliamentarian forces. After the siege, Walmgate was temporarily patched up and a huge earthen rampart was thrown up across Walmgate street. Permanent repairs weren’t conducted until 1648. The attempted mine was filled in in 1645, but it apparently left a ‘dip’ in the North wall of the barbican. The City Corporation couldn’t afford the repairs in 1646, but were given a Parliamentarian grant of £5000 to repair it completely.

Above. The 15th century oak gates.

In the late 18th century, houses had been built right up to the barbican’s walls, and the battlements and the bartizans and part of the North wall of the barbican were in a poor state of repair. Expense seems to have been a problem again, where repairs were concerned, and it was recommended that the barbican be removed completely (as had happened at the other bars) Luckily for us, the barbican was finally repaired in 1840, with all the housing built up against its walls completely removed.

Walmgate is now the only town gate in the whole of England, that retains its barbican.

Bootham Bar Postern and Tower, York

2010-05-24T20:56:00.004+01:00

Bootham Bar Postern and Tower
Gillygate
York

This postern tower and gateway can be found at the junction of Gillygate, Bootham and High Petergate. It lays a few feet to the North West of Bootham Bar, and consists of a three storey tower, a portion of wall some three feet thick, and a gateway or postern.

Above. A view of the tower from Gillygate to the North East.

The tower has a gabled roof now, but it appears that the windows on the South East and North West would once have been crenelations on a flat topped tower.

Above. A view of the tower showing the thickness of the wall from the South East.

The tower and its attendant postern marked the point at which the City walls met the precinct walls of the Abbey of St Mary. I'm not sure if their upkeep would have fallen to the Abbey or the city of York.

Above. A view of the tower from the South, showing the postern.

The tower and its postern are best viewed from the crossing at Gillygate, and also from the plaza in front of York Art Gallery.

Archbishop's Palace, York

2010-05-24T18:44:00.003+01:00

Archbishop's Palace
York
Yorkshire

Situated a few yards to the North of the mighty York Minster, the Bishop’s palace, a beautiful almost secret building, sits screened by trees.

Above. The 12th century arcade, now used as a War Memorial.

There are two major parts to this site….the first, is a late 12^th century arcade, known as Archbishop Roger’s Arcade, repaired and consolidated in 1987 and now turned into a war memorial.

Above. A view of the Chapel from the walls at Moatside Court.

This is a beautiful piece of architecture, consisting of seven arches two of which are supported by pillars. It was built for Archbishop Roger de Pont l'Eveque.

The second part to this site, is a building known today as the Chapel. This simple rectangular building dates from the 13^th century, possibly built around 1230, and sits to the North East of the ruined arcade. It is now used as the Minster Library.

The arcade and the chapel can both be viewed from the parks surrounding the Minster.

Anglian Tower (tower 19) York

2010-05-24T18:33:00.002+01:00

The Anglian Tower (Tower 19)
York
Yorkshire

There is a short portion of Roman wall, topped with Medieval masonry, that sits between the South Eastern extremities of the ruined St Mary’s Abbey, and the Museum gardens. Here, tucked between the base of the wall and the Museum the Anglian tower hides. It is a small square tower, with two narrow doorways, and until about 1839, was buried beneath the ramparts of the inner part of the old Roman walls. It was ‘rediscovered’ when the ramparts were dug away, but only excavated in 1969.

Above. A view along the base of the old Roman wall.

It appears that the tower was built to block a breach in the old Roman walls, and to this day, dating it seems to be a difficult question to answer.

Above. The front of the tower.

It appears that the tower was built to block a breach in the old Roman walls, and to this day, dating it seems to be a difficult question to answer. It is built of poorer quality stone than the surrounding Roman walls, perhaps suggesting that it is older than the surviving Roman remains. Some historians think it could be late Roman in date, but even to this day, it’s age has not been satisfactorily ascertained.

Above. A view of the outside face of the tower.

It lays only a few yards from the interior of the Roman Multangular tower, and forms an interesting section of the early defences of the city of York.

Sizergh Castle, May 2010

2010-05-11T12:00:00.004+01:00

Sizergh Castle
Sizergh
Near Kendal
Cumbria

Taking advantage of a bright but overcast day, a trip to Sizergh was on the cards. It wasn't very busy so I was able to grab some pretty good photos, especially from the gardens as they'd been closed on previous visits. So this time, the castle has been photographed within its gardens and landscaping context.

Above. The castle from the South East across the pond.

Above. A view of the castle from the North East.

Above. View of the castle from the banks of the pond.

Above. A view of the castle from the gateway to the courtyard.

Note the scallop shells on top of each of the gate-posts. Thank you to my eagle-eyed wife who spotted them. These relate to the scallops shown on the Strickland coat of arms, very much in evidence all around the gardens and the castle. For instance, on my recent visit, the family flag was flying on the top of the tower.

Above. Another view of the castle from the gardens below.

Above. A view of the castle from a gazebo hidden in the orchard.

Above. The Stricklands of Sizergh arms in the Strickland chapel at Kendal.

The window shown above, is situated in the East wall of the Strickland chapel in the parish church in Kendal. It shows the three silver scallops, representing pilgrimage, on a black background with a patterned edge all around the shield. These arms are specifically belong to the Stricklands of Sizergh Castle. The Dacre family have a similar coat of arms, with three silver scallops on a black background, but importantly, without the patterned edge.

Above. Again...the Stricklands of Sizergh's arms over the entrance to the Strickland chapel at Kendal.

The shield and arms shown above, are again specifically of the Stricklands of Sizergh Castle. They can be found above the doorway in the wooden panelling of the screen that marks the Strickland Chapel in Kendal parish church. There are various forms of these arms throughout Sizergh Castle, relating to the many marriages into the family by other families....each time small additions and changes were made to the coat of arms. Check the link for loads of information on the Strickland family history.

Check out the link for details on the opening times for Sizergh Castle.

And if you fancy a bite to eat, or a look around the farm shop, check the link for Low Sizergh Barn nearby.

Coniston Hall, Near Coniston

2010-05-04T20:57:00.003+01:00

Coniston Hall
Near Coniston
Cumbria

A building on or near this site was original the seat of the Urswick family until around 1250, and then, with the building of the hall and possibly a fortified tower of some sort in the early 15th century, it became the seat of the Fleming family. The hall sits at the Northern tip and on the West banks of Coniston Water, and is visible from Brantwood across the water on the East bank. The hall consists of a West wing which contains a living room, sitting room and a central kitchen. The central block consists of the original kitchen area, a dairy under the hall, and an old byre\barn area. The East wing contains a newel stair in the outside wall, which may suggest that there could have been a tower here.

Above. A view of the hall from the East banks of Coniston. Photo by kind permission of Tony Richards (see the link below)

It is this wing, hidden behind the trees to the left of the photo, that could have been the location of the tower.....the walls here are thick, but the basic layout of this wing is broken, and has been altered over the years, with a partial restore taking place in around 1815. Several documents mention the remains of buildings to the South West and West of the hall....but it is thought that, rather than being the remains of out buildings, or even the original Urswick family tower, they are probably the earthwork remains of fish ponds. The Fleming family eventually left Coniston Hall for larger, more modern accommodation at Rydal....but the hall was maintained by the family as a hunting lodge up until the early 1700's. I'm not sure what the access rights to the hall and the grounds are, so when I find this out, I'll update this post.

Check Tony's Lakeland Cam website for daily photo updates. If you're stuck behind a desk on a bright sunny day, this is the place to cheer yourself up with. Thank you for letting me use your photo Tony!

There is some really good information at this link regarding Coniston, the Hall, the Flemings and the surrounding areas.

Check this link out for a detailed plan of the hall.