Structure Name: Prior Castell's Tower

Description:
 

Three-storey stone tower house of typical Border pele style, with a castellated parapet, dating from the early 16th century. Originally four storeys. The tower measures 12.5 by 7.3 metres on the ground, with walls up to 1.8 metres thick.
 

Extant: Yes

Legal Status: Listed Building Grade I, Scheduled Ancient Monument

Location: Inner Farne, NORTHUMBERLAND

Eastings: 421780m (view map)

Northings: 635990m (view map)

Position Accuracy: 10m

Positional Confidence: Absolute Certainty

Structure Types Identified: FORT, LIGHTHOUSE, PELE TOWER, TOWER HOUSE

Historical Background
 

Although generally agreed to have been built for Thomas Castell, Prior of Durham (1494-1519), and completed in 1500, the tower does seem to have earlier foundations. Post-Dissolution the tower came into use as a fort proper, until 1673, when it was transformed into a lighthouse to the orders of King Charles II. At some point after the mid 18th century the tower fell out of use, and was restored in 1848 by the Archdeacon of Durham. The tower was handed over to The National Trust in 1920.
 

Chronology:

• 1500   Pele tower built c.1500, probably on the site of an older structure.
      Entities Involved:
            Prior Thomas Castell: Probably commisioned building.
• MID 16TH CENTURY   Tower converted to fort.
• 1673   Tower converted to lighthouse by order of King Charles II.
      Entities Involved:
            King Charles II:
• EARLY 18TH CENTURY   Handrail fitted to upper staircase.
• MID 18TH CENTURY   Two fireplaces and a panelling screen constructed on first floor.
• 1848   3 windows replaced/installed on the north side, and interior altered by Charles Thorp. Outbuildings on south side erected.
      Entities Involved:
            Deacon Charles Thorp: Commissioned building work.
• 1920s   Ownership of the tower passes to The National Trust.
      Entities Involved:
            The National Trust:
• 1927 - 1928   Tower repaired.
      Entities Involved:
            The National Trust: Carried out repair work.

References:

• Images of England
• Keys To The Past
• Northumberland SMR
• Pevsner, N., Richmond, I., Grundy, J., McCombie, G., Ryder, P. and Welfare, H. (2001) The Buildings of England: Northumberland. London, Penguin Books, p.277

The information displayed in this page has been derived from authoritative sources, including any referenced above. Although substantial efforts were made to verify this information, the SINE project cannot guarantee its correctness or completeness.

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