Preston Tower, 15th century tower house in Prestonpans, Scotland.
Preston Tower is a 15th century fortified structure shaped like an inverted L that rises across four stories with substantial stone walls. The building features a vaulted basement level and an iron gate providing access to an underground prison chamber.
Built in the 15th century, the tower experienced multiple military attacks including raids by the Earl of Hertford in 1544 and Cromwell's forces in 1650. A major fire in 1663 resulted in the structure being abandoned for generations.
The tower takes its name from the nearby village and shows how Scottish noble families designed their homes as fortified strongholds. Visitors can see how rooms were arranged for both defense and daily living.
The stairs and entrance points have been recently restored, making it straightforward for visitors to move through the tower's interior spaces. Information boards throughout guide you in understanding each room and its original purpose.
The first floor contained a large fireplace and a hidden chamber that could only be accessed via an external stairway built during restoration work. This concealed space reveals how carefully rooms were designed for security and privacy.
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