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Arthuret Knowles

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as;
Arthureth tower; Artruthe; Artruth; Arthrat; Knowes of Arthuret

In the civil parish of Arthuret.
In the historic county of Cumberland.
Modern Authority of Cumbria.
1974 county of Cumbria.
Medieval County of Cumberland.

OS Map Grid Reference: NY381674
Latitude 54.99794° Longitude -2.96968°

Arthuret Knowles has been described as a probable Pele Tower.

There are no visible remains.

Description

During the Battle of Solway Moss in 1542, the Scottish troops retired to the tower at Arthuret but were quickly dislodged. A tower is shown on the 1552 map beside Arthuret. There is no reference to a fortified tower at the Mediaeval church. It is thought that it dated to C12 or C13. Moated earthworks which were probably associated with the tower have been destroyed by quarrying. (PastScape 1389979)

(NY 3788 6755 & 3830 6740) South of Longtown Church are two small hills covered with wood, called Arthuret Knowes. The top of the highest, which overhangs the river, is fortified by a small earthen rampart enclosing a space about 16 yards square (Skene).
There are earthworks here, but merely a natural glacial morraine. There is a good section visible in sandpits (Annotated Record Map Corr 6" (Miss K S Hodgson)).
A small square earthwork on summit, marked by shallow ditch, about 40ft each way. Western half has been destroyed by sand pits. This glacial mound (evidently the western mound, at the west end of which Sand Pit is shown on OS 6" 1957) is a remarkable view point and commands the river herabouts. Visited 18/6/39 (Rec 6" (O G S Crawford 25 5 34)). (PastScape)

Moated earthworks destroyed by quarrying. Possible tower site. TCWAAS (2), viii, 234-46 describes and illustrates with a plan; site then considered pre-Conquest. TCWAAS (2), lii, 198 summarises and compares with Bromfield, Whitehall and Embleton. Dates it to the 12th and 13th century. TWCAAS (2), xxvi, 381-9 also deals with the site. VCH, ii, 274 states that during the battle of Solway Moss in 1542 'the Scottish troops, retiring upon Arthuret tower were quickly dislodged and forced across the Esk...' A tower (?) is shown on the 1552 map beside Arthuret Knowe. There is no reference to a tower on the medieval church. (Perriam and Robinson 1998)
Comments

Presumably a stone house of some form either for the vicar or the manor house.
May well be the tower of Longtown shown on the 1590 map.
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Sources of information, references and further reading
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This record last updated 26/07/2017 09:21:32

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