Reasons for Designation
Fortified houses were residences belonging to some of the richest and most powerful members of society. Their design reflects a combination of domestic and military elements. In some instances, the fortifications may be cosmetic additions to an otherwise conventional high status dwelling, giving a military aspect while remaining practically indefensible. They are associated with individuals or families of high status and their ostentatious architecture often reflects a high level of expenditure. The nature of the fortification varies, but can include moats, curtain walls, a gatehouse and other towers, gunports and crenellated parapets. Their buildings normally included a hall used as communal space for domestic and administrative purposes, kitchens, service and storage areas. In later houses the owners had separate private living apartments, these often receiving particular architectural emphasis. In common with castles, some fortified houses had outer courts beyond the main defences in which stables, brew houses, granaries and barns were located. Fortified houses were constructed in the medieval period, primarily between the 15th and 16th centuries, although evidence from earlier periods, such as the increase in the number of licences to crenellate in the reigns of Edward I and Edward II, indicates that the origins of the class can be traced further back. As a rare monument type, with fewer than 200 identified examples, all examples exhibiting significant surviving archaeological remains are considered of national importance.
Eshott Castle fortified house survives well and is a rare survival of this form of medieval settlement in Northumberland. It is well documented and will add to our knowledge and understanding of the wide variety of medieval fortified structures.
Details
The monument includes the remains of a moated fortified house of medieval date, situated at the confluence of Longdike Burn and Eshott Burn. It is visible as a sub-rectangular enclosure measuring approximately 55m east to west by 44m north to south. The enclosure is surrounded by a moat with an approximate width of 6m, which is visible as a slight earthwork on the north and west sides and a well-defined earthwork on its east and south sides. The south side retains the remains of a causewayed entrance. Within the interior of the enclosure there are the remains of low earthworks. On July 22nd 1310 the king granted a licence to Roger Mauduit to crenellate his dwelling house at Eshott. In 1358 the castle was granted to his son and in 1415 the owner was recorded as Sir John Heroun when it was listed as 'Castrum de Eshete'.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
ND 423
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
