Forecourt Walls And South Tower Of Witton Castle

EVENWOOD AND BARONY SLOSHES LANE NZ 13 SE (North side) 2/29 (inset) Forecourt walls 14/9/66 and south tower of Witton Castle

GV II*

Forecourt walls and tower. Medieval with C17 and later alterations. Sandstone rubble with quoins and ashlar dressings; roof of tower not visible. Square forecourt; tower attached to inner face of south wall. High embattled walls with Tudor-arched vehicle entrances on east and west, the east under relieving arch, and low, chamfered,round-headed entrance on south to west of tower. Parapet walks and steps up to corner turrets except at north-west where wall joins main building of castle. Short north wall from right return of main building contains Tudor-arched doorway. Square tower of 2 high stages, the second set back, has massive off-centre and west buttresses on north face; low chamfered Tudor-arched surround to boarded door on west; partly blocked round- headed entrance on east, with shaped tripartite sash inserted, which like 4- light stone-mullioned window above has Gothic glazing bars. Relieving arch over the latter window; and evidence of original gable peak. Clock faces on north and south with painted Roman numerals. Embattled parapets. Roof of tower has wood bee-cote with horse-and-rider finial.

Exterior of walls shows corbelled machicolations above side arches, round corner turrets on east wall, large square corner turret at south-west; blocked 8-light mullioned and transomed windows in south wall, where old illustrations show range of buildings. Blocked monolith round hole to left of central south window. Sundial over west arch. Many stone parapet drains and round holes, perhaps musket holes.

Listing NGR: NZ1537130411