Radcliffe Tower, Medieval fortified manor house in Radcliffe, England
Radcliffe Tower is the remains of a medieval fortified manor house with stone walls standing several meters high and narrow defensive windows typical of the period. The structure shows how the building once combined residential and military functions within a compact footprint.
In 1403, James de Radcliffe received royal permission from King Henry IV to fortify the structure with defensive features and a large hall. The site remained an important stronghold in medieval regional power structures.
The tower takes its name from the red cliff that once lined the nearby river valley, marking where Norman settlers chose to build their stronghold. This connection to the landscape shaped how people used the space for centuries.
The site is accessible through the adjacent park or near the church and can be visited freely during daylight hours. Wear sturdy shoes as the walk involves uneven ground and the archaeological remains are directly exposed to weather.
Excavations in 2012 uncovered medieval pottery fragments that reveal how the site was occupied and used over many centuries. These finds provide glimpses into everyday life within a fortified residence and its surrounding community.
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