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Historic England Research Records

Cow Tower

Hob Uid: 901244
Location :
Norfolk
Norwich
Non Civil Parish
Grid Ref : TG2396109191
Summary : The remains of the medieval structure known as Cow Tower is one of the earliest artillery blockhouses to have been built and is an impressive example of the use of brick in the medieval period. It was originally the toll house for a monastery founded in 1249. It was ruinous by 1378 and converted to form part of the city's defences in the late 14th century (completed by 1390) with 12 gunports. It was further altered in the 15th century. The size of the cruciform loops indicates that only handguns would have been used through the loopholes; larger guns could have been mounted on the roof platform, to fire through the embrasures in the parapet. Cow Tower is managed by Norwich City Council.
More information : (TG 23960919) Cow Tower (NR) (Remains of). (1)

Cow tower stands in isolation on the city side of the southward turn of the river. It is brick built, standing on a stone plinth above which stand four courses of galleted flints. It is about 15.2m high and has an internal diameter of 7.3m. with walls 1.8m thick. Quatrefoil slits are visible in the south walls. (2)

Originally a river toll house for one of the monastic orders. Later it was given to the Great Hospital, and being in ruinous condition in 1378, was rebuilt to form part of the city defences [TG 20 NW 10], being finished in 1390. (3)

As described in Authority (2). See Ground Photographs. (4)

One of the defences of the Norwich Benedictine Priory, evidently built to garrison a considerable number of men, having chimneys built into the walls. Believed to to be the oldest brick building in England. Scheduled as an Ancient Monument. (5)

Scheduled.

Cow Tower as been identified as an early form of artillery tower or blockhouse. It was ruinous by 1378 and converted to form part of the city's defences in the late 14th century. It was further altered in the 15th century. The size of the cruciform loops indicates that only handguns would have been used through the loopholes; larger guns could have been mounted on the roof platform, to fire through the embrasures in the parapet. Please see scheduled monument description for full details. (6)

The tower has 12 gunports. (7)

This site is listed in the English Heritage Visitor Handbook 2009/10. Cow Tower is managed by Norwich City Council. (8)
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Source Number : 1
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Source details : OS 25" 1938
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Source details : Blomefield F 1806 History of Norfolk
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Source Number : 4
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Source details : F1 25/06/1954
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Source Number : 5
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Source details : Norfolk
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Source Number : 6
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Source details : 07-Aug-96
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Source Number : 7
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Vol(s) : 4, 1977
Source Number : 8
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Source details :
Page(s) : 139
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Monument Types:
Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Founded 1249
Monument End Date : 1249
Monument Start Date : 1249
Monument Type : Toll House
Evidence : Documentary Evidence
Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Late 14th century, completed by 1390
Monument End Date : 1390
Monument Start Date : 1367
Monument Type : Blockhouse, Town Defences, Artillery Tower
Evidence : Ruined Building
Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Altered 15th century
Monument End Date : 1500
Monument Start Date : 1401
Monument Type : Blockhouse, Artillery Tower, Town Defences
Evidence : Ruined Building
Components and Objects:
Related Records from other datasets:
External Cross Reference Source : Scheduled Monument Legacy (County No.)
External Cross Reference Number : NF 20
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Scheduled Monument Legacy (National No.)
External Cross Reference Number : 21412
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : EH Property Number
External Cross Reference Number : 17
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : SMR Number (Norfolk)
External Cross Reference Number : 632
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : TG 20 NW 336
External Cross Reference Notes :
Related Warden Records :
Related Activities :
Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1954-06-25
End Date : 1954-06-25
Associated Activities :
Activity type : WATCHING BRIEF
Start Date : 2004-01-01
End Date : 2004-12-31