To Southerners, these towers were often a mystery, but not always so to
those who belonged to Northumberland.
In recent research, we find that two lists of Pele Towers were prepared, one in 1415 and another in 1541, and in 1415 there were 115, whilst the number had increased considerably by the later date.
The reason they were built was the great antipathy which existed between the Scots and the English.
In times previous to the reigns of Edward I, Edward II, and Edward III, that antipathy was not so strong, although there was a national feeling, but afterwards raids from each side of the Border were frequent, and whilst great castles were built as a national protection, the Pele Towers were raised by the smaller people, not only for the defence of cattle and stock, but for the defence of their own lives.
It used to be said of a Northumbrian that the first thing he did when he awoke in the morning was to feel if his throat was cut, and the next thing he did was to see if his roof was over his head; and if both were safe, he counted himself a happy man for another day.
These towers, as a rule, consisted of three storeys. The bottom one was used as a store house, the family and men-at-arms lived in the second story, and the third was used as bedrooms.
Around the building was a wall enclosing the court yard, and this was generally eight or nine feet high and four or five feet thick.
Into this enclosure the cattle were driven in times of danger, and defended through loop holes in the tower.
In recent research, we find that two lists of Pele Towers were prepared, one in 1415 and another in 1541, and in 1415 there were 115, whilst the number had increased considerably by the later date.
The reason they were built was the great antipathy which existed between the Scots and the English.
In times previous to the reigns of Edward I, Edward II, and Edward III, that antipathy was not so strong, although there was a national feeling, but afterwards raids from each side of the Border were frequent, and whilst great castles were built as a national protection, the Pele Towers were raised by the smaller people, not only for the defence of cattle and stock, but for the defence of their own lives.
It used to be said of a Northumbrian that the first thing he did when he awoke in the morning was to feel if his throat was cut, and the next thing he did was to see if his roof was over his head; and if both were safe, he counted himself a happy man for another day.
These towers, as a rule, consisted of three storeys. The bottom one was used as a store house, the family and men-at-arms lived in the second story, and the third was used as bedrooms.
Around the building was a wall enclosing the court yard, and this was generally eight or nine feet high and four or five feet thick.
Into this enclosure the cattle were driven in times of danger, and defended through loop holes in the tower.
