Andrew Wainwright Walks Northumberland & Beyond
TOWERS
Brizlee Tower
Location and Access
Within Hulne Park in Alnwick. Parking is free at the entrance to the park, unfortunately the park does not allow dogs or bikes due to the roaming wildlife, both cattle and wild. The park is open from 8am until 1700 or dusk. You can’t go in the tower but the views from the hillside are still well worth the short walk from the park’s entrance.
History
The tower was commissioned in 1777 by to commemorate Lady Elizabeth Seymour who died the year before by her husband Hugh Percy 1st Duke of Northumberland. It stands 26m tall at an elevation of 177m above sea level giving it a commanding view of the park and down to the vale of Whittingham. It was designed to be a viewing platform. Above the balcony, under the Duke's crest, an inscription notes: Circumspice! Ego omnia ista sum dimensus; Mei sunt ordines, Mea descriptio Multae Etiam istarum arborum Mea manu sunt satae, which is translated: "Look around! I have measured out all these things; they are my orders, it is my planning; many of these trees have even been planted by my hand.”
Elsdon Tower
Location and Access
On the B6341 about 5km east of Otterburn. The tower can be seen to the west off the main road through the village. It is a private residence but there is a sign on the gate which permits visitors to access to the grounds. On the opposite side of the burn the earthworks of the older Mott and Bailey Castle can still be seen.
History
Elsdon Tower is one of the finest examples of medieval tower houses. It is a grade 1 listed building and was recently restored with the help of Northumberland National Parks. The earliest reference to the tower is in the 1415 list of castles and has changed hands several times as evidenced by the coat of arms of the Umfarvilles (South wall), Howards (North wall) and the Percy’s above the porch. Its history is inextricably linked to St Cuthbert’s church as it started life as the residence of the Rector of Elsdon and so it stayed for 560 years.
Hepple Tower
Location and Access
About 8 miles west of Rothbury you’ll pass through Hepple. Tucked away on the south side of the road amidst the houses lies the ruins of Hepple tower. It’s situated within someone’s garden but you can see it from the road and driveway.
History
Another of Northumberland’s Pele Towers, built as protection against Scottish raiders after the battle of Neville’s Cross in 1346. Erected by Sir Robert Ogle one of six in his ownership by 1415. This tower was supposedly burnt down by the Scots by 1539.
Preston Tower
Location and Access
Preston Tower is signposted from the A1 just north of the RAF Boulmer turn off. There is a free car park and public toilets next to the tower and there are 3 wonderful walks round the gardens and through the surrounding woods. In the tower there is a box for the “admission charge” which it is charged on an honesty system. You can climb the tower between 1000 and 1800 or dusk depending which is earlier.
History
The Preston Pele tower, which is now owned by Major Tom Baker Cresswell, was built between 1392 and 1399, when warfare between England and Scotland was endemic. At the time of Agincourt (1415) it was one of 78 Pele towers in Northumberland. Its owners included Sir Guiscard Harbottle, who was slain fighting against James IV at the battle of Flodden in 1513, the conflict that brought Mary, Queen of Scots to the Scottish throne.
Although the rest of England was enjoying peace and prosperity by the sixteenth century, in the Border country raiders, or reivers, still constantly crossed back and forth in the disputed hinterland. Instead of comfortable Tudor manor houses, the seats of Border families still needed thick walls and tunnel-vaulted rooms to defend themselves and their livestock.
Following the Union of Scotland and England in 1603, peace finally came to the Borders. Half the tower was pulled down at this time and the stone used for farm buildings on the estate. The present tower is what remains of the original structure.
Whittingham Tower
Location and Access
This tower is in the village of Whittingham North of Thrunton Woods and West off the A697. It is now a private residence so is only viewable from the road unfortunately.
History
Another one of the 78 pele towers of the 14th century. It was one of two in the village but is the only one still standing. This one was converted into an alms house for old ladies in 1845 by Lady Ravensworth of nearby Eslington Park. It was also the birth place of Henry Ogle who invented a reaping machine, unfortunately it was not a commercial proposition and he later died penniless in Alnwick workhouse. The statue in the village is of the 3rd Earl of Ravensworth and his dog who on his death in 1904 was the end of his blood line. The statue was raised by his widowed wife and enscribed with the 23rd Psalm.
Wittingham Tower
Ravensworth Statue and Fountain