Hunstanworth Pele Tower remains. From the South-West. July 2001


Hunstanworth © Ryder, P 2008


Hunstanworth © Ryder, P 2008

At the west end of the churchyard of St James's Church, the ruined remains of the basement of a small pele tower can be seen. The tower, which is probably 16th century in date, is visible as the lower courses of a rectangular building with maximum measurements of 15 metres east to west by 12 metres north to south. The remains of the collapsed upper storeys are visible as spread material 1-3 metres wide on all sides. The walls, bonded with clay, stand to a maximum height of 1.5 metres and are at least 1 metre thick. It had an arched or vaulted roof, which remained in perfect condition until it collapsed in 1883. The vaulted basement of the tower house fell in 1883, but some of the springing on the south side at the western end remains in situ. This is a Scheduled Monument, protected by law. (2) (14)