I can’t believe . . .

. . . we have never been here, to see this tower. I’ve passed the sign to it many, many times, but never thought to investigate. Then, when the lady at Brougham Castle was going through the places nearby, we were horrified to find that we had missed one that was right on our doorstep – well almost!!

 
So, off we set. It’s not far away – in Clifton, just outside Penrith. We parked up and, instead of following the footpath signs, which seemed to go through muddy fields with horses in them, we walked through the farm and there it was – Clifton Hall, or what remains of Clifton Hall anyway. Right in the middle of a large and very busy farm.
 
This tower is the only remaining part of a much larger manor house. It was probably built in 1500 by William Wybergh to add to an old hall. Although it looks like other Pele Towers, it is unlikely that it was really there for defensive purposes. Often these towers were built in the fashionable style to demonstrate a family’s wealth and status and they actually provided comfortable family accommodation on three floors. It’s interesting going inside and up the spiral staircase to the top – well Gordon did, and he was disappointed not to be able to get out onto the roof.
 
Over the years extensive additions were made to the tower, the evidence of which can be seen in the lines of joists on several sides. The extent of one of the additions has been marked out on the ground on this side. Eventually the family lost their land, through financial difficulties and during the Civil War. When the current farm was built, the old manor house was demolished, leaving only the tower. No one would want to live here now, as it is right beside the M6 and the noise is terrible.