More information : [NY 98846441] Vicar's Pele [G.T.] (1)
The tower is mentioned as the Vicar's property in the list of
fortalices drawn up for Henry V in 1415. There is no record of its
erection, but it is of c. 1300 style, all of one date and well-
constructed of sandstone, being rectangular in plan, measuring 27' 4" E-W and 21' 0" N-S. The height to the parapet walk is 30'0". The building comprises a vaulted basement and two upper storeys; the entrance doorway is in the east side at ground level.
[See Illustration Card]. (2)
Many of the stones in the tower have cramp holes and have been obtained from the Ro. station at Corstopitum. (3)
The pele is in good condition - See Illustration. (4)
No change (5)
I Vicar's Pele Tower-house of c.1300, built of Roman stones. Square tower with pointed arched doorway on E. side (tunnel
vault inside), small loop lights, angle turrets. Gabled roof added.
A.M. (6)
Vicar's Pele. Grade I. Towerhouse vicarage, c.1400 except for gabled roof of 1910. Large squared stones, mostly re-used Roman material; stone slate roof. Pointed-arched doorway on east has old door of oak boards bolted into iron grille. Scattered fenestration, small chamfered loops except for larger trefoil-arched lights to north and south at 1st floor level. Hollow chamfered cornice below crenellated parapet (largely fallen except on south); remains of corbelled-out square angle bartizans. Several C18 headstones affixed to north and west walls, including stone to John Robson d.1753; semi-circular pedimented top enclosing cherub above line of key ornament. Interior: drawbar tunnel in inner jambs of entrance; similar arch from entrance lobby into barrel-vaulted basement. Mural stair to lobby with shelf
and sink. 1st floor has window seats on north and south, fireplace with moulded surround on north and 2 wall cupboards on west. Further mural stair to 2nd floor (floor timbers missing) which has mural book rest recess adjacent to window of north-west corner. The tower now houses a collection of medieval and earlier carved stone; in addition a number of medieval cross slabs have been re-used in the fabric, mostly as lintels over windows and the mural stairs. The best preserved vicar's pele in the county; in use as the vicarage until the early C17. (7)
NY 987 644. Vicar's pele tower. Scheduled No ND/77. (8)
Listed by Cathcart King and Dodds. (9,10)
Full description of the Saxo-Norman cross in the pele tower, and the grave slab, formerly in the tower, now in the adjacent church. (11) |