Castlefacts³

Hartlepool Chain Towers

Has been described as a Possible Chain Tower

There are no visible remains

Name	Hartlepool Chain Towers
Alternative Names
Historic Country	Durham
Modern Authority	Hartlepool
1974 Authority	Cleveland
Civil Parish	Hartlepool

There was a watergate for fishermen while the main harbour entrance was guarded by two large round towers with a boom chain between. (PastScape ref. Daniels)

Cottonian MS. Jul. c. ii, fol. 318 (278), a 16th-century MS. compiled from records in the Exchequer of Durham (cf. Surtees, op. cit. iii, 119, who in quoting a statement from this MS. as to the founder of Hartlepool Friary gives 'Master Latton, one of the visitors of the Northern Abbeys before the Dissolution,' as the author), which contains the following note: 'The same Brus {i.e. the founder of Guisborough Priory and the reputed founder of Hartlepool Friary} builded the haven and wall about the towne of Hertlepole with to towers on eche syde of the haven and a chayne to be drawne between them near the haven, which haven would hold a c sayle.' (VCH a footnote regarding the supposed foundation of the town walls by Robert Bruce - something for which there is no evidence)

Gatehouse Comments

See Hartlepool town wall for full bibliography. The round towers are well attested but the supposed chain is less well supported. It is not mentioned by earlier writers who saw the walls in a much better state. Although such chains were expensive to make and upkeep there were a far number in use, and there presence may be a reasonable assumption.

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)

27813

County Historic Environment Record

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OS Map Grid Reference	NZ524334
Latitude	54.6968994140625
Longitude	-1.19002997875214
Eastings	452420
Northings	533400