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Tours > Coquetdale > Hepple Tower
 Hepple Tower
Six miles south-west of Rothbury
Only a very small fragment of Hepple Tower survives today, hidden amongst the trees in the front garden of a more modern dwelling. It is one of the many 'Pele Towers' to be found throughout Northumbria, which local lords were positively encouraged to build as protection against Scottish Raiders, following the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346. Later, they also became safe havens from the Border warfare raging amongst different factions of Lordly 'Reivers'. If there was trouble around, you could blockade yourself, your family and servants - even your livestock - safely up in your own private fortification.
Hepple Tower was probably erected at the end of the 14th century by Sir Robert Ogle. He is recorded as holding six such fortifications by 1415. His main residence being at Ogle itself. It had an armed garrison of twenty in 1509, but had fallen into decay only thirty years later, having apparently been burnt by the Scots.
The Site is on private land, but can be viewed from the road.
Next Stop:
Cartington Castle
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