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Keys to the Past

Alnham Tower House (Alnham)

This stone tower lies just to he west of the church. It is 11.7m by 8.8m and is built of good quality stone. It has thick walls (1.7 to 2.1m) clearly designed for defence. Like most similar houses the ground floor has a barrel shaped stone vault, and may have been used as a storage area. There is no obvious access between the ground floor and the first floor. Access to the upper storey may have been through an external ladder or staircase. The structure was probably built in the late 14th century, as it is first mentioned in documents of the early 15th century. It was called a little tower in 1541, but was noted as being ruined by the 17th century. It was believed to belong to the church and was called the Vicar's Pele. Sometime between 1821 and 1844 the building was restored, and a house attached to its east side. At this point, the battlements on the top of the structure were built and replacement windows added. It is now a private house. This is a Grade II* listed building protected by law.

Reference number: N1337
Historical period: Medieval (1066 to 1540)
Post-medieval (1540 to 1900)
Legal status: Listed Building

See also:
Source of Reference
Local History of Alnham
Location of this site on a map, with option to view historical maps. Please note this link will open a new window. To return to this page please close the new window.
The Past Perfect web site for an example of a medieval castle (Wark).

Alnham Tower, Alnham. Photo by Peter Ryder.
Alnham Tower, Alnham. Photo by Peter Ryder.

Disclaimer - Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.

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