Radcliffe Tower

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Radcliffe Tower

Lancashire

File:Radcliffe tower hdr.jpg
The standing remains of Radcliffe Tower
Type: Country house
Location
Grid reference: SD79580751
Location: 53°33’49"N, 2°18’30"W
Town: Radcliffe
History
Country house
Information
Condition: Largely demolished
Owned by: Bury Council

Radcliffe Tower is the only surviving part of a manor house in Radcliffe in the metropolitan regions of southern Lancashire. It is a Grade I listed building[1][2] and a Scheduled Monument.[3]

The house was rebuilt in 1403 by James de Radcliffe, who was lord of the manor of Radcliffe, and consisted of a stone-built hall and one or two towers, probably built with ashlar blocks.[2][3] De Radcliffe was given a royal licence to fortify the site including adding crenellations and battlements.[4]

File:Radcliffe tower engraving.jpg
The tower in the early nineteenth century with the manor house on the right before its demolition

The manor house was demolished in the 19th century leaving only the tower.[3] The tower measures 10½ yards by 19 yards and survives to about 20 feet in height.[2] The remains are owned by Bury Council.[5] It was used as a pig sty before being restored.[3]

Radcliffe Tower is about two miles south of Bury Castle, a late 15th-century moated manor house.

In 2009, plans to restore the shell of the tower as part of a wider restoration project covering Radcliffe E'es, Close Park and the parish church were launched with the support of Bury Council.[6]

File:Commons-logo.svg
("Wikimedia Commons" has material
about Radcliffe Tower)

References

  1. National Heritage List 1309271: Radcliffe Tower
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 National Heritage List 1309271: Radcliffe Tower
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 National Monuments Record: No. 44210 – Radcliffe Tower
  4. A History of the County of Lancaster - & 67 Volume pp 56 & 67: {{{2}}} (Victoria County History) The parish of Radcliffe
  5. Bury Metropolitan Borough Council (19 February 2004). "Bury's historic built environment" (DOC). Bury.gov.uk. http://burydem.bury.gov.uk/aksbury/images/att2329.doc. Retrieved 27 May 2008. 
  6. "Ancient tower is to be saved". 1 April 2010. http://menmedia.co.uk/prestwichadvertiser/news/s/1202633_ancient_tower_is_to_be_saved. Retrieved 16 November 2016.