Alnwick Abbey Gatehouse

DENWICK HULNE PARK NU 11 SE 10/57 Alnwick Abbey 31.12.69 Gatehouse (formerly listed as part of Alnwick Abbey) GV I

Gatehouse of Premonstratensian Abbey. Late C14, with some minor late C18/C19 alterations and restoration. Ashlar; Lakeland slate roof. Rectangular 2- storey block with projecting taller angle turrets. Perpendicular style.

North (formerly external) front: Gothick panelled double doors under moulded segmental arch, with small recesses to each side and 2 niches above, the lower with worn statue. Machicolated parapet with shields and moulded crenellations. Flanking turrets, corbelled out at different levels, have small loops, some with trefoiled ogee heads. Single storey block on right, probably post-medieval, with 2 small loops.

South front shows similar arch with 2-light transomed window above. Flat- pointed doorways in turrets, that to right blocked; left turret has 2-light transomed window with cusped heads to lights and metal lattice casements.

East side has deeply-recessed centre with blocked 4-centred arch under canopied niche, with transomed and traceried 2-light windows above and in turret to right; carved hoodmould stops and heraldry on turrets and machicolated parapet. West side shows small loops and corbelled-out garderobe below parapet.

Interior: Segmental barrel vault over gate passage. Straight mural stair to 1st floor in west wall, and full-height newel stair in south-east turret. 4-centred arched doorways to stairs and turret chambers.

Historical Notes. Abbey founded in 1147 by Eustace Fitz-John; famous for its relics, the foot of Simon de Montfort and the chalice of St. Thomas of Canterbury. The main buildings lay south of the gatehouse; after excavation in 1884 the plan was marked out but is now only traceable with difficulty.

W.H. St. John Hope, article in Archaeol.J. XLIV (1887) 337-46.

Listing NGR: NU1786214072