Preston Tower

After the stormy conditions overnight, the weather calmed down a bit this morning and we were able to take a final trip out.

This was to another recommendation from Slow Travel guide to Northumberland - Preston Tower. Jane and David, who are from Tyneside, had been coming to this part of Northumberland on holiday all their lives but had never heard of it. It is well worth visitng.

Here are a few of my photos.

It was rather stormy last night and this morning...

...but the wind eased off and the rain stopped for a while. Preston Tower was only a few miles away.

"Preston Pele Tower was constructed between 1392 and 1399 during a time of ongoing conflict between England and Scotland. In the early 15th century, the tower was one of 78 similar structures located in Northumberland. Over the years, it was owned by various individuals, including Sir Guishcard Harbottle, who died in battle against James IV during the Battle of Flodden in 1513; an event that paved the way for Mary, Queen of Scots’ ascension to the Scottish throne."

I'd paid for tickets for us online, but you can pay when you get there using the QR code.

Round the back we found some stocks. Bethany was put in the first, but nobody had remembered to bring the rotten tomatoes, so she got off without a pelting.

She got her revenge when it was her Auntie Dawn's turn.

The site is unattended and inside there is an honesty box for payments.

There are steep ladders to climb inside, which meant Jane had to stay at ground level.

These weights are for the clock and the striking mechanism for the bell.

The rooms are furnished as they might have been in the 15th century.

There are displays telling the history of the border reivers, and border fortresses - Bastles, Pele Towers and Tower Houses which are very informative...

...and the story of the local battle of Flodden.

Up onto the roof...

While we were in the Tower, Jane explored the gardens and found a comfortable seat.

This is what you can see from the top.

We could just make out Dunstanburgh Castle.

It was coming up to 1pm and Bethany positioned herself by the bell to see it strike and watch the time count down on her phone.

I stayed below to watch the clock mechanism in action. The clock dates from 1864 and has a similar mechanism to the click in Westminster tower that strikes Big Ben.

Bong! It was quite loud!

Then it was back down to meet David and Jane. As you can see the rain had started again now.

Time to go, then.

We took a detour on our way back to Seahouses for a bit of shopping. We got some Blue Murder and Darling Blue cheese to take home to Sarah as she loves blue cheese.

While there we revisited the now deserted harbour.

We could see the Farne Islands from here on Tuesday!

Then it was back to Craster to shelter from the regathering storm Bebet.

You can see more of my photos here on Flickr.