Elsdon Tower | |
---|---|
![]() Elsdon Tower | |
Location within Northumberland | |
OS grid reference | NY93609339 |
Shire county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Police | Northumbria |
Fire | Northumberland |
Ambulance | North East |
Elsdon Tower is a Grade I listed medieval tower house converted for use as a Rectory situated at Elsdon, Northumberland. [1] Originally part of the estate of Elsdon Castle, it later become a rectory and is now a private residence. The original construction dates from the 15th century and has been modified several times.
The property was first recorded as Vicars Pele, a pele tower in the occupation of the Rector of Elsdon in 1415. [1] There is nearby a medieval motte and bailey castle, which was built by Robert de Umfraville and is known as Elsdon Castle. [2]
The tower originally contained four storeys, was reduced in the 17th century to only three with a steeply sloping roof above a castellated parapet. [3] It is 13.15 by 9.4 metres (43.1 ft × 30.8 ft), with the longer side running from west-north-west to east-south-east. The walls are about 2.6 metres (8 ft 6 in) thick. It has a timber roof. [4] [5] The parapets display the crest of the Umfraville family, who lived in the area but abandoned Eldon Castle for Harbottle Castle. [6]
Subsequent buildings have been adjoined on the north and west of the tower. [4] Between 1820–1826, Archdeacon Singleton built an entrance porch and a two-storey, two-bayed house extension. [1] [3] [5]
The tower was Grade I listed in 1953. [1] It was in use as the Rectory until 1960. [3] It was fully renovated and restored between 1995 and 1998, which included a significant amount of archaeological research during the works. [4] The only remaining features of the original 15th century construction are a garderobe and fireplace on the original first floor. [5] The tower is closed to the public but access is available to view it from nearby. [7]