Radcliffe Tower

Radcliffe Tower is the only surviving part of a manor house in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester (historically in Lancashire). It is a Grade I listed building[1][2] and a Scheduled Monument.[3] The house was rebuilt in 1403 by James de Radcliffe, who was lord of the manor of Radcliffe, and consisted of a stone-built hall and one or two towers, probably built with ashlar blocks.[2][3] De Radcliffe was given a royal licence to fortify the site including adding crenellations and battlements.[4]

Map showing the location of Radcliffe Tower within Greater Manchester.
The tower in the early nineteenth century with the manor house on the right prior to its demolition.
The standing remains of Radcliffe Tower

The manor house was demolished in the 19th century leaving only the tower.[3] The tower measures 10.5 yards (9.6 m) by 19 yards (17 m) and survives to about 20 feet (6.1 m) in height.[2] The remains are owned by Bury council.[5] It was used as a pig sty before being restored.[3] Radcliffe Tower is about 3.3 kilometres (2.1 mi) south of Bury Castle, a late 15th-century moated manor house.

In 2009, plans to restore the shell of the tower as part of a wider restoration project covering Radcliffe E'es, Close Park and the parish church were launched with the support of Bury Council.[6]

See also

References
  1. Historic England. "Radcliffe Tower  (Grade I) (1309271)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  2. Historic England. "Radcliffe Tower (1309271)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 5 January 2008.
  3. Historic England. "Radcliffe Tower (44210)". PastScape. Retrieved 5 January 2008.
  4. The parish of Radcliffe, A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 5 (1911), pp. 56–67. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=53000. Retrieved on 25 October 2008
  5. Bury Metropolitan Borough Council (19 February 2004). "Bury's historic built environment". Bury.gov.uk. Archived from the original (DOC) on 27 March 2009. Retrieved 27 May 2008.
  6. "Ancient tower is to be saved". Manchester Evening News. 1 April 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2016.

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