Structure Name: Tower House

Description:
 

The tower is located a short distance to the west of the church. It is of a solid construction, measuring 11.7 by 8.8 metres, with walls between 1.7 and 2.2 metres thick. The ground floor is barrel vaulted and there is no internal access to the first floor. During the 19th century a house was added to the east side of the tower.
 

Extant: Yes

Legal Status: Listed Building Grade II*

Location: Alnham, NORTHUMBERLAND

Eastings: 399020m (view map)

Northings: 610980m (view map)

Position Accuracy: 10m

Positional Confidence: Absolute Certainty

Structure Types Identified: HOUSE, PELE TOWER, TOWER HOUSE, VICARAGE, YOUTH HOSTEL

Historical Background
 

A late 14th century pele tower which fell during Cromwell's Commonwealth, it remained uninhabitable until the early 19th century, when the tower was restored and a house was attached to its east side. Tower House later came into use as a Youth Hostel and is now a private residence.
 

Chronology:

• LATE 14TH CENTURY   Construction of tower.
• 1405   First documentary reference to the house.
• 1821 - 1844   Sometime during this period the tower was restored (and crenellated) and a house was added to its east side.

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.129

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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