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MONUMENT NO. 39652

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DESCRIPTION

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Two towers, built in the 18th/early 19th century as a decorative feature in the grounds of Conishead Priory. Only one tower survives; built of rubble and octagonal in plan. The earthwork remains of the second tower lie 12 metres to the north east. The surviving tower was restored in the 1980s.

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[SD 30127609] TOWERS [G.T.] (Remains of). (1)

"On top of the wooded hill to the north [of Conishead Priory] ...
are the ruins of a castle, &c., partly modern: a small circular
tower is, however, covered with ivy which must have been the
growth of centuries". (2)

The south-west tower is in perfect condition. The other one is
only just visible above ground level. (3)

The tower stands upon a 150 foot high hill top in a very prominent position overlooking CONISHEAD PRIORY. It appears to have been constructed purely as a decorative feature within the ornamental grounds belonging to the Priory, and to have been used at a later time as a vantage point, a circular stone stairway having been constructed within, to give access to the wooden roof top. There are no traces of antiquity. The walls are constructed of stone, slate and brick. The tower has eight sides and is in 'Gothick' style. Loopholes are without any splaying. On the NE side are remains of a wall which probably connected with a second tower, remains of which consist of a circular mound of grass covered stones, 4.0m. in diameter, 0.3m high, hollowed at the centre. Another scatter of stones lies further to the north. The two towers are 12.0m. apart, and they possibly contained an ornamental gateway originally. They probably belong to the late 18c. or early 19c.

"The towers are 'shams', built by the BRADYLLS in the 18c". (4)

Tower on Hermitage Hill. Listed Grade II. (5)

SOURCE TEXT

( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date)

OS 6" 1931-38.

( 2) General reference

'Sketch of Furness & Cartmel' 1843, p.161. (C.M. Jopling.)

( 3) General reference

A.O. 6" (S.S. Reviser 2.3.51)

( 4a) Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments

( 4) Field Investigators Comments

F1 ASP 04-JUN-58

(5) List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest

District of South Lakeland, 19-APR-1996

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