Lanercost Priory–King Edwards Tower
Has been described as a Certain Pele Tower
There are major building remains
Name | Lanercost Priory–King Edwards Tower |
Alternative Names | Vicarage; Vicar's Pele Tower; Uttergate |
Historic Country | Cumberland |
Modern Authority | Cumbria |
1974 Authority | Cumbria |
Civil Parish | Burtholme |
Vicarage incorporating former Guest House of the Outer Court of Lanercost Priory. Early C13 with additions of mid C16, and early C19 alterations. Calciferous and red sandstone from the nearby Roman Wall, red sandstone dressings; tower has gabled slate roof within parapet, extension has red sandstone slate roof with coped gables; calciferous ashlar chimney stacks. 3- storey, single-bay tower, to left. Ground floor double cross-mullioned window; blocked original window above; other windows are C19. Dogtooth decorated cornice with battlemented parapet. Short wall to left with blocked window is the remains of the rear wall of a C16 building which stood in front of the tower. Side wall has 2 blocked 2-light stone-mullioned windows, with similar window above. Rear wall has earlier stonework on ground floor. Projecting chimney breast has C19 2-light window on ground floor. Small window to left has been blocked internally, but retains its C16 iron grille. Tall first floor window to right and small square blocked window above. Built into the front wall is an inverted Roman inscribed stone LEG VI and sculptured stone head above right, is thought to be of Edward II. Interior of tower has cupboard in north-west angle which could be the entrance to the newel staircase; C16 moulded plaster frieze of scallop shells and mermaids, similar to plasterwork in scriptorium. C16 extension to right of 2 storeys, 6 bays, has C19 porch with chamfered Tudor arch, 2-light chamfered mullioned window above and moulded cornice. Central upper floor 3-light chamfered stone-mullioned windows with continuous hood mould, are original; all other mullioned windows are early C19 replacements in a similar style. Projecting upper floor chimney breast to right of original windows. Rear wall has single-storey C19 extension for its full length and 2-storey extension link with tower
Original central upper floor 5-light cross-mullioned window in moulded architrave with hood mould; flanking original 2-light windows. Interior of ground floor kitchen window is splayed with segmental arch. (Listed Building Report)
West of the church is a 13th century fortified tower with 16th century additions that is now used as a vicarage but was originally the guest house of the outer court of the priory. To the north of this building is a large open area known as The Garth. This area contains various earthwork remains of further buildings and other structures associated with the priory, however, the precise nature and function of these earthworks is not fully understood. (Scheduling Report)
This site is a scheduled monument protected by law
This is a Grade 1 listed building protected by law
Historic England Scheduled Monument Number
Historic England Listed Building number(s)
Images Of England
Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid Reference | NY555637 |
Latitude | 54.9659805297852 |
Longitude | -2.69555997848511 |
Eastings | 355550 |
Northings | 563700 |