Arthuret Knowles
Has been described as a Possible Pele Tower
There are no visible remains
| Name | Arthuret Knowles |
| Alternative Names | Arthureth tower; Artruthe; Artruth; Arthrat; Knowes of Arthuret |
| Historic Country | Cumberland |
| Modern Authority | Cumbria |
| 1974 Authority | Cumbria |
| Civil Parish | Arthuret |
During the Battle of Solway Moss in 1542, the Scottish troops retired to the tower at Arthuret but were quickly dislodged. A tower is shown on the 1552 map beside Arthuret. There is no reference to a fortified tower at the Mediaeval church. It is thought that it dated to C12 or C13. Moated earthworks which were probably associated with the tower have been destroyed by quarrying. (PastScape 1389979)
(NY 3788 6755 & 3830 6740) South of Longtown Church are two small hills covered with wood, called Arthuret Knowes. The top of the highest, which overhangs the river, is fortified by a small earthen rampart enclosing a space about 16 yards square (Skene).
There are earthworks here, but merely a natural glacial morraine. There is a good section visible in sandpits (Annotated Record Map Corr 6" (Miss K S Hodgson)).
A small square earthwork on summit, marked by shallow ditch, about 40ft each way. Western half has been destroyed by sand pits. This glacial mound (evidently the western mound, at the west end of which Sand Pit is shown on OS 6" 1957) is a remarkable view point and commands the river herabouts. Visited 18/6/39 (Rec 6" (O G S Crawford 25 5 34)). (PastScape)
Moated earthworks destroyed by quarrying. Possible tower site. TCWAAS (2), viii, 234-46 describes and illustrates with a plan; site then considered pre-Conquest. TCWAAS (2), lii, 198 summarises and compares with Bromfield, Whitehall and Embleton. Dates it to the 12th and 13th century. TWCAAS (2), xxvi, 381-9 also deals with the site. VCH, ii, 274 states that during the battle of Solway Moss in 1542 'the Scottish troops, retiring upon Arthuret tower were quickly dislodged and forced across the Esk...' A tower (?) is shown on the 1552 map beside Arthuret Knowe. There is no reference to a tower on the medieval church. (Perriam and Robinson 1998)
Not scheduled
Not Listed
Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
| OS Map Grid Reference | NY381674 |
| Latitude | 54.9979400634766 |
| Longitude | -2.96968007087708 |
| Eastings | 338100 |
| Northings | 567400 |
