Preston Tower, Medieval defensive tower in Ellingham, England
Preston Tower is a medieval stone tower in Ellingham, Northumberland, England, listed as a Grade II* building and a scheduled monument. It stands within a garden and its exterior walls remain largely intact, while the interior is arranged with period furnishings across several floors.
The tower was built in 1392 as a defensive structure during a period when border conflicts between England and Scotland were frequent in Northumberland. In the 17th century, parts of the stonework were removed, which accounts for its current height being lower than the original.
The furnished rooms inside show how a family in medieval Northumberland would have lived day to day within thick stone walls. Each room gives a sense of how people organized their domestic space when safety and shelter were the same thing.
A parking area near the entrance means only a short walk to reach the tower. The interior stairs are steep and narrow, so sturdy footwear is a good idea if you plan to go up to the higher floors.
Marks on the outer walls still show where stones were taken away in the 17th century, making it possible to trace the tower's original outline. On a clear day, the roof gives open views across the Northumberland countryside, which helps explain why this hilltop position was chosen in the first place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
