Peel tower
|
| The peel tower at the north end of the village of Clifton (near Penrith) is a remnant of the old Clifton Hall. It serves as a reminder of the days of Scots raids from over the border, which is approximately 30 miles away. |
A peel tower or pele tower (not to be confused with the commemorative Peel Monument in Bury, Greater Manchester) is a freestanding structure built for defence. From about 1450 to 1600, these small houses or keeps were constructed in strategic locations in the UK, mainly as protection in Northern England and Scotland against the invasion of Edward I.
These small, square (or oblong) stone buildings had thick walls, which were meant to protect the occupants from sieges. Comprising three storeys, they included a storage area or garderobe for supplies and animals (on the ground floor), a hall and kitchen (on the first floor) and living, sleeping and strategic observation quarters (on the top floor). The roof was normally flat and could be used for protective purposes.
In all, approximately 90 peels were built. They were primarily constructed along the borders; many were built in the Tweed valley. Under a 1455 Act of Parliament, these specific peels (Fruid, Hawkshaw, Oliver, Polmood, Kingledoors, Mossfennan, Wrae, Quarter, Stanhope, Drumelzier, Tinnies, Dreva, Stobo, Dawyck, Easter Happrew, Lyne, Barnes, Caverhill, Neidpath, Peebles, Horsburgh, Nether Horsburgh, Cardrona, Kirna, and Elibank) had to have defensive features at the ready, including an iron basket and a smoke or fire signal.
In addition to their strategic function, peel towers were sometimes used as dwellings for lairds and landlords. They also served as temporary protective residences for townspeople when raiding parties threatened their villages. Some peels were incorporated into churches (as belltowers) or converted into castles. One in North Yorkshire was converted for a television programme into Hellifield Peel Castle bed and breakfast.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.