Crawley Tower (Hedgeley)
(NU 06891652) Tower. (1)
Crawley Tower may be dated to about 1300 (2). Licence to crenellate was granted 20th Nov 1343 (3), and the tower is mentioned in a survey of 1466 (4) (authority (3) gives this date as 1415). In 1541 the tower was 'in decay' (3) and in a survey of c.1715 it is called 'ruinous'. (5)
This tower, now much hemmed in with modern buildings, has been robbed of many of its most interesting features. The plan was presumably rectangular and the unbroken fronts on south and west sides which measure 50 feet and 36 feet 6 ins. respectively represent the original dimensions with possibly the addition of a stair turret. The doorway was probably on the north side but has now been destroyed. Parapet, gables, chimneys and the roof are all modern.
Except for plain walling the only original features intact are the two upper windows in the south front, the higher one having its original rear vaulting and stone seat. The original ground floor loop windows have been made into windows. (2)
Appears to be constructed from the masonry of the ramparts of the camp within the east angle of which it stands. (6)
Description correct. The south wall also contains the remains of a plinth course. There is no evidence that the stones used in the construction came from the alleged Roman fort (NU 01 NE 19), there being no trace of 'broaching' visible.
The tower is in good condition and in use as a residence. (7)
Condition unchanged. (8)
Crawley Tower. Early 14th century, now an L-shaped house, much repaired. Remains stand in the corner of a rectangular earthwork. Ground floor loop holes made into windows; door has gone. (9)
Crawley Tower, Grade II* listed building. Remains of a towerhouse or tower solar. Early 14th century with and 18th century cottage built inside when the ruins were altered to form an eyecatcher on the Shawdon Estate. Rectangular plan measuring 15.2m x 11.2m externally. Tower walls 2.6m thick except on the north.
Licence to crenellate granted in 1343, but the architectural features probably pre-date this. Substantial earthworks to the north (NU 01 NE 19) suggest the tower formed part of a strongly fortified complex. (10)
Historic Building Report of Crawley Tower prepared by RCHME (York) in August 1992.
The tower was originally rectangular and least four storeys high of coursed sandstone. The ground floor was not barrel vaulted. Each floor probably comprised a single chamber and the first floor may originally have been heated. The tower may have formed part of a larger manorial complex and may have functioned as a solar tower to a hall range in the enclosure to the north (NU 01 NE 19).
The tower was reported as ruinous in 1541. By the 18th century the north-east angle of the tower had been demolished and a two-storey L-shaped cottage built inside the shell of the tower. In the 19th century single storey extensions were built on the north side, and cottages onto the east side of the tower. (11)
The tower has apparently consisted of a rectangular structure 15.2m by 10.4m externally, with walls of large coursed and squared sandstone 2m-2.5m in thickness. Smaller squared stone, with rough tooling of 18th century character, is seen towards the wall heads and in the lower part of the south east corner. The north east corner has been destroyed and an L-shaped two-storeyed house has been built within the ruin, its roof pent against the internal faces of the tower walls. The tower has originally been of four storeys; the surviving pieces of walling at third level, standing above the level of the house roof, have been squared off to produce a stepped parapet, whilst the surviving sections of the north and east walls have been given a crow-stepped coping following the line of the pitched roof of the house.
At the time of survey, the interior of the house was completely stripped out, wall plaster and floors having been removed revealing a considerable number of structural features not mentioned in authority. (11).
At ground floor level, the internal splay of the window on the west is old and the doorway on the south occupies the position of an old window (the head of which remains). Between this and a post-medieval firelace further east is the jamb of another early opening. On the north are remains of a mural chamber or chambers, its inner wall cut away and replaced by 20th century brickwork. This chamber has a flat slab roof and remains of two transverse features, an arch (with a single chamfer on each face) near the west end and a doorway, rebated to the east, further east. Entry to the chamber may have been by a doorway at the west end of the wall, where there are hints of an internal projection.
At first floor level windows on the south and west are remodellings of older openings. There is a blocked single-light window in the north wall (its external sill and lower jambs visible from inside a lean-to addition) and a mural chamber at the south west corner, until recently hidden by an internal flue. The internal face of the west wall had been cut back internally; conversely, the original internal face of the north wall (cut away on the ground floor) remained.
At second floor level (ie attic level within the house) there is another mural chamber (not inspected in detail) at the west end of the south wall. There is a window on the south of two lancet-headed lights, with a segmental rear arch. Onthe west there are the remains of the lower part of a similar window, partly destroyed by refacing of the wall; there are also traces of a small opening in the north wall.
All that remains at third floor level is a portion of the south wall, retaining another two-light window of the same type as that below; this has a chamfered segmental rear arch and a stone window seat on each jamb.
The walls of the house are of more than one date. That on the north part of the building is considerably thicker than that of the south and is of large squared stone. Although clearly later than the north wall of the tower, it may be earlier than the 18th century date ascribed by authority. (11)
It seems possible that the tower served as a tower solar to an adjacent hall block, possibly adjoining the east wall (fragments of projecting masonry at the north end of the surviving section of this wall and a refaced area at the south east angle, may indicate the positions of the hall walls). (12)
Crawley Tower; subject of RCHM(E) survey which is located in the Archive File. The associated farm buildings are described in volume one.
The tower occupies a proinent positiion in thhe landscape and is now surrounded by later buildings. The field on the other side of the road contains a substantial earthwork possibly associated with the tower. the tower has consisted of a rectangular structure with walls of large coursed and squared sandstone, 2 to 2.5m thick. Smaller squared stone with rough tooling of 18th century character is seen towards the wall heads, and in the lower part of the south east corner. The north east corner has been destroyed, and an L-shaped two storeyed house has been built within the ruin, its roof pent against internal faces of the tower walls. The tower has originally been of four storeys; the surviving pieces of walling at third floor level, standing above the level the house roof have been squared off to produce a stepped parapet, whilst the surviving sections of north and east walls have been given a crow stepped coping following the line of the pitched roof of the house. The RCHME report was written when the interior was masked by plaster work. Since then additional features have been revealed. AT ground floor level, the internal splay of the window on the west is old, and the doorway on the south occupies the position of an old window (the head of which remains); between this and a post medieval fireplace further east is the remains of a mural chamber or chambers, its inner wall cut away and replaced by 20th century brickwork. This chamber has a flat slab roof, aand remains of two transverse features, an arch near the west end, and a doorway rebated to the east. Entrance to the chamber may have been by a doorway at the west end of the wall, where there are hints of an internal projection. At first floor level, windows on the south and west are remodellings of older openings; there is a blocked single light window in the north wall, and a mural chamber at the south west corner, until recently hidden by an internal flue. The internal face of the west wall had been cut back internally; coversely, the original internal face of the north wall remained. At second floor level (ie attic level within the house) there is another mural chamber at the west end of the south wall. There is a window on the south of two lancet headed lights, with a segmental rear arch; on the west there are the remains of the lower part of a similar window, partly destroyed by the refacing of the wall; there are also traces of a small opening in the north wall. All that remains of the third floor level isa portion of the south wall, retaining another two light window of the same type as that below with a stone window seat on each jamb. The walls of the house are of more than one date. That of the northern part of the building is considerably thicker than that of the south, and is of large squared stone. Although clearly later than the north part of the tower, it may be earlier than the 18th century date ascribed by th RCHME.
It seems possible that the tower served as a tower solar to an adjacent hall block, possibly adjoining the east wall. The RCHME report gives a summary of the history of the Edlingham family, it passed to the Herons in the early 14th century, and licence to crenellate was granted in 1343. It was sold by the Herons to John Procter of Shawdon in 1663. The present parapets of the tower are probably of mid18th century in date, and show similarities to other landscape features (eg the folly at Shawdon).
The RCHME survey was carried out before the internal plaster work was removed. This means that much of the important evidence was missed. It is recommended that detailed recording take place of the interior before the interior is reconstructed. Only a detailed level of recording will make full interpretation possible. This could be conditional on the listed building consent and in such circumstances it is the developer's responsibility to provide the necessary resources. Alternatively, the recording could be carried out by a local history group providing that they had the expertise to carry out the work to a sufficiently high standard. Finally, the RCHME may be willing to return to the site to update their record, however their resources are limited and they may not be able to return to a site already examined.
The recent fittings of eaves facias/soffits in association with roof repairs is unnecessary and inappropriate. Internally there is evidence of crude ribbon pointing in a hard cement mortar. The building is currently not weather proof and it is important that it be madde sound before deterioration becomes worse. If the structure is not to be converted into a modern dwelling, it may be possible to conserve the building as a ruin. (13)
Listed. (14a-b)
Is referred to in HER 3157). (14)
Crawley Tower may be dated to about 1300 (2). Licence to crenellate was granted 20th Nov 1343 (3), and the tower is mentioned in a survey of 1466 (4) (authority (3) gives this date as 1415). In 1541 the tower was 'in decay' (3) and in a survey of c.1715 it is called 'ruinous'. (5)
This tower, now much hemmed in with modern buildings, has been robbed of many of its most interesting features. The plan was presumably rectangular and the unbroken fronts on south and west sides which measure 50 feet and 36 feet 6 ins. respectively represent the original dimensions with possibly the addition of a stair turret. The doorway was probably on the north side but has now been destroyed. Parapet, gables, chimneys and the roof are all modern.
Except for plain walling the only original features intact are the two upper windows in the south front, the higher one having its original rear vaulting and stone seat. The original ground floor loop windows have been made into windows. (2)
Appears to be constructed from the masonry of the ramparts of the camp within the east angle of which it stands. (6)
Description correct. The south wall also contains the remains of a plinth course. There is no evidence that the stones used in the construction came from the alleged Roman fort (NU 01 NE 19), there being no trace of 'broaching' visible.
The tower is in good condition and in use as a residence. (7)
Condition unchanged. (8)
Crawley Tower. Early 14th century, now an L-shaped house, much repaired. Remains stand in the corner of a rectangular earthwork. Ground floor loop holes made into windows; door has gone. (9)
Crawley Tower, Grade II* listed building. Remains of a towerhouse or tower solar. Early 14th century with and 18th century cottage built inside when the ruins were altered to form an eyecatcher on the Shawdon Estate. Rectangular plan measuring 15.2m x 11.2m externally. Tower walls 2.6m thick except on the north.
Licence to crenellate granted in 1343, but the architectural features probably pre-date this. Substantial earthworks to the north (NU 01 NE 19) suggest the tower formed part of a strongly fortified complex. (10)
Historic Building Report of Crawley Tower prepared by RCHME (York) in August 1992.
The tower was originally rectangular and least four storeys high of coursed sandstone. The ground floor was not barrel vaulted. Each floor probably comprised a single chamber and the first floor may originally have been heated. The tower may have formed part of a larger manorial complex and may have functioned as a solar tower to a hall range in the enclosure to the north (NU 01 NE 19).
The tower was reported as ruinous in 1541. By the 18th century the north-east angle of the tower had been demolished and a two-storey L-shaped cottage built inside the shell of the tower. In the 19th century single storey extensions were built on the north side, and cottages onto the east side of the tower. (11)
The tower has apparently consisted of a rectangular structure 15.2m by 10.4m externally, with walls of large coursed and squared sandstone 2m-2.5m in thickness. Smaller squared stone, with rough tooling of 18th century character, is seen towards the wall heads and in the lower part of the south east corner. The north east corner has been destroyed and an L-shaped two-storeyed house has been built within the ruin, its roof pent against the internal faces of the tower walls. The tower has originally been of four storeys; the surviving pieces of walling at third level, standing above the level of the house roof, have been squared off to produce a stepped parapet, whilst the surviving sections of the north and east walls have been given a crow-stepped coping following the line of the pitched roof of the house.
At the time of survey, the interior of the house was completely stripped out, wall plaster and floors having been removed revealing a considerable number of structural features not mentioned in authority. (11).
At ground floor level, the internal splay of the window on the west is old and the doorway on the south occupies the position of an old window (the head of which remains). Between this and a post-medieval firelace further east is the jamb of another early opening. On the north are remains of a mural chamber or chambers, its inner wall cut away and replaced by 20th century brickwork. This chamber has a flat slab roof and remains of two transverse features, an arch (with a single chamfer on each face) near the west end and a doorway, rebated to the east, further east. Entry to the chamber may have been by a doorway at the west end of the wall, where there are hints of an internal projection.
At first floor level windows on the south and west are remodellings of older openings. There is a blocked single-light window in the north wall (its external sill and lower jambs visible from inside a lean-to addition) and a mural chamber at the south west corner, until recently hidden by an internal flue. The internal face of the west wall had been cut back internally; conversely, the original internal face of the north wall (cut away on the ground floor) remained.
At second floor level (ie attic level within the house) there is another mural chamber (not inspected in detail) at the west end of the south wall. There is a window on the south of two lancet-headed lights, with a segmental rear arch. Onthe west there are the remains of the lower part of a similar window, partly destroyed by refacing of the wall; there are also traces of a small opening in the north wall.
All that remains at third floor level is a portion of the south wall, retaining another two-light window of the same type as that below; this has a chamfered segmental rear arch and a stone window seat on each jamb.
The walls of the house are of more than one date. That on the north part of the building is considerably thicker than that of the south and is of large squared stone. Although clearly later than the north wall of the tower, it may be earlier than the 18th century date ascribed by authority. (11)
It seems possible that the tower served as a tower solar to an adjacent hall block, possibly adjoining the east wall (fragments of projecting masonry at the north end of the surviving section of this wall and a refaced area at the south east angle, may indicate the positions of the hall walls). (12)
Crawley Tower; subject of RCHM(E) survey which is located in the Archive File. The associated farm buildings are described in volume one.
The tower occupies a proinent positiion in thhe landscape and is now surrounded by later buildings. The field on the other side of the road contains a substantial earthwork possibly associated with the tower. the tower has consisted of a rectangular structure with walls of large coursed and squared sandstone, 2 to 2.5m thick. Smaller squared stone with rough tooling of 18th century character is seen towards the wall heads, and in the lower part of the south east corner. The north east corner has been destroyed, and an L-shaped two storeyed house has been built within the ruin, its roof pent against internal faces of the tower walls. The tower has originally been of four storeys; the surviving pieces of walling at third floor level, standing above the level the house roof have been squared off to produce a stepped parapet, whilst the surviving sections of north and east walls have been given a crow stepped coping following the line of the pitched roof of the house. The RCHME report was written when the interior was masked by plaster work. Since then additional features have been revealed. AT ground floor level, the internal splay of the window on the west is old, and the doorway on the south occupies the position of an old window (the head of which remains); between this and a post medieval fireplace further east is the remains of a mural chamber or chambers, its inner wall cut away and replaced by 20th century brickwork. This chamber has a flat slab roof, aand remains of two transverse features, an arch near the west end, and a doorway rebated to the east. Entrance to the chamber may have been by a doorway at the west end of the wall, where there are hints of an internal projection. At first floor level, windows on the south and west are remodellings of older openings; there is a blocked single light window in the north wall, and a mural chamber at the south west corner, until recently hidden by an internal flue. The internal face of the west wall had been cut back internally; coversely, the original internal face of the north wall remained. At second floor level (ie attic level within the house) there is another mural chamber at the west end of the south wall. There is a window on the south of two lancet headed lights, with a segmental rear arch; on the west there are the remains of the lower part of a similar window, partly destroyed by the refacing of the wall; there are also traces of a small opening in the north wall. All that remains of the third floor level isa portion of the south wall, retaining another two light window of the same type as that below with a stone window seat on each jamb. The walls of the house are of more than one date. That of the northern part of the building is considerably thicker than that of the south, and is of large squared stone. Although clearly later than the north part of the tower, it may be earlier than the 18th century date ascribed by th RCHME.
It seems possible that the tower served as a tower solar to an adjacent hall block, possibly adjoining the east wall. The RCHME report gives a summary of the history of the Edlingham family, it passed to the Herons in the early 14th century, and licence to crenellate was granted in 1343. It was sold by the Herons to John Procter of Shawdon in 1663. The present parapets of the tower are probably of mid18th century in date, and show similarities to other landscape features (eg the folly at Shawdon).
The RCHME survey was carried out before the internal plaster work was removed. This means that much of the important evidence was missed. It is recommended that detailed recording take place of the interior before the interior is reconstructed. Only a detailed level of recording will make full interpretation possible. This could be conditional on the listed building consent and in such circumstances it is the developer's responsibility to provide the necessary resources. Alternatively, the recording could be carried out by a local history group providing that they had the expertise to carry out the work to a sufficiently high standard. Finally, the RCHME may be willing to return to the site to update their record, however their resources are limited and they may not be able to return to a site already examined.
The recent fittings of eaves facias/soffits in association with roof repairs is unnecessary and inappropriate. Internally there is evidence of crude ribbon pointing in a hard cement mortar. The building is currently not weather proof and it is important that it be madde sound before deterioration becomes worse. If the structure is not to be converted into a modern dwelling, it may be possible to conserve the building as a ruin. (13)
Listed. (14a-b)
Is referred to in HER 3157). (14)
N3155
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1955; E Geary
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1970; D Smith
BUILDING SURVEY, Crawley Tower, Crawley: Historic Building Report 1992; RCHME
THEMATIC SURVEY, Towers and Bastles in Northumberland 1995; P RYDER
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1970; D Smith
BUILDING SURVEY, Crawley Tower, Crawley: Historic Building Report 1992; RCHME
THEMATIC SURVEY, Towers and Bastles in Northumberland 1995; P RYDER
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