Creswell Pele Tower

Cresswell Pele Tower was built by the Cresswell family in the 15th century and is one of around 80 fortified pele towers in Northumberland.

The tower was built in response to raids by the Border Reivers. It is a relatively well preserved tower and is the only surviving structure of the Medieval seat of the Cresswell family. In the mid 18th century it became part of a mansion house, but the house itself was demolished in the 19th century and by the late 1960s the tower was left derelict.

Recently the tower has gone under significant restoration funded by the National Lottery. Find out more on the Creswell Tower Facebook page.

We were lucky enough to visit in August 2021 when the pele tower was open to the public and we got a sneak peak at the interior. The staff there were really knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of the tower and they were running a clay tile making workshop for children when we visited. They also told us about a small garden opposite the tower which is run by local volunteers and is worth a visit too.

For more information on the history of the tower and it's opening times, visit their website: Cresswell Pele Tower.