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Site Details

Low Trewhitt tower (Netherton with Biddlestone)

(Marginal) Tower at Low Trewhitt. (1)

Mentioned in the 1415 Survey as the 'Turris de Terwhit Inferioris'. Described in the 1541 Survey as a 'tower of Edward Gallon in measurable good repair'. (2)

A pele tower once stood at Low Trewit, of which there is now no trace. Numerous green mounds which appear to be old foundations, are seen in a field overlooking the Rithe, north of the modern farmhouse. (3)

A small 14th century window built into the west gable of Low Trewitt farmhouse, is believed to be a relic of the pele which is otherwise only extant in the form of foundations mounds in a field not far from another group traditionally the site of the village of 'Tirwhit Inferioris'. (4)

NU 00290491 Low Trewhitt farmstead stands upon a south-east slope of pasture above the confluence of the Wreighburn, which flows from the north, with the Foxton Burn, which flows from the west.
100m north of the farmhouse is a rise of ground in a pasture field, surrounded by rig and furrow plough lines, which appears to be the most likely situation for a defensive structure. From this point, the valley of the Wreighburn is commanded to the north, either side of which the ground rises gently to north-east and north-west. The site overlooks extensive low ground to the south.
The Rithe, Authority 3 refers, is probably the Wreighburn, which offers good natural defence on the east side. No traces of the tower are now to be seen. In the west gable-end of an outbuilding, east of the farmhouse is a trefoil-headed stone window of 14th or 15th century date.
Mr Crisp, the owner/farmer is temporarily absent and could not be contacted. (5)

The position noted by F1 is a small area of disturbed and hummocky ground which appears to answer Dixon's description of 'green mounds and old foundations'. (6)

Historical notes on the ownership of Low Trewhitt in the Mediaeval period. (7a)
N2829
Medieval (1066 to 1540)
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1957; A S Phillips


Source of Reference
Local History of Netherton with Biddlestone
Local History of Netherton with Biddlestone

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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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