| Summary : Situtated on the south side of a moated island (TF 61 NE 20) is a large, three storey gatehouse with polygonal corner turrets. It is constructed of brick with stone dressings and formed part of a house thought to have been begun circa 1455 by Thomas, seventh Lord Scales, who died in 1460, although the work was probably continued by his daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law, Sir Anthony Woodeville. By the 18th century the site was derelict and very little of the 15th century house remained, other than the gatehouse itself. The gatehouse was bought in 1856 by Sir Lewis Whincop Jarvis who, between 1864 and 1876, restored it and built a new south range to the west of it. A west wing was added at Middleton Towers for John Taylor Ramdsen in 1905. On the west side of the gatehouse, projecting from the south eastern turret, can be seen the stub of a medieval brick wall which probably enclosed the courtyard of the 15th century house. Another fragment of walling, which perhaps formed part of the north eastern angle of a medieval west range, stands on the north side of the island, near its western end and opposite the northern end of the 20th century range. |
More information : TF 66901756. Middleton Towers (NR). (1)
Enclosed by a moat, the house is largely circa 1860 and 1900 but incorporating a brick gatehouse of the mid 15th century with 2 polygonal turrets, built by Lord Scales. (2,3)
Outstanding. Published survey (1:2500) correct. (4)
Middleton Tower. Moated house. Gatehouse c1455 for Thomas, Lord Scales, attached house of 1864 and 1876 for Sir Lewis Whincop Jarvis and 1905 for John Taylor Ramsden. Grade I. (See DoE list for details). (5)
Additional references. (7-8) |