|
Tours > Coquetdale > Tosson Tower
 Tosson Tower
At Great Tosson, three miles south-west of Rothbury
Though ruinous, Tosson is a good example of the 'Pele Towers' to be seen throughout the Border region. It was probably built at the end of the 15th century, but, from 1553, it was used as part of the Lord Deputy General of the Marches' system of watch towers designed to curb the lawless reivers of Redesdale and Tynedale. Two men were stationed to keep watch every night. Coquetdale was a Royalist area during the Civil War when the garrison was increased to a lieutenant and six dragoons. Asleep in their beds, they were easily captured when parliamentary troops arrived in July 1648.
There is a little car park and a good information board at Tosson; and you're allowed to walk through the field of sheep to really get up close and examine those sturdy walls. You can even have bed & breakfast at Tosson Tower Farm. There are also fantastic views over the Coquet Valley from here.
The site is run by Northumberland National Park Authority. Free entry at any reasonable time.
Next Stop:
Cragside
|
|
|
){kind=small}