Witton Shields Tower

NETHERWITTON WITTON SHIELDS NZ 19 SW NZ 124904 5/154 Witton Shields Tower GV II Strong House, dated 1608 with initials N.T. (Nigel Thornton) over door, rear outshuts 1680; reduced in height by a storey c.1914. Rubble with large irregular quoins and dressings; slate roof. Rectangular block with central square stair turret and continuous rear outshut. 2 storeys, 3 bays. Stair turret, carried up above eaves level, has re-set armorial panel, with chamfered surround, in gable; left return has door with flattened triangular head in square frame and date panel over, small chamfered window above; right return has similar window above small 4-pane casement. Renewed paired 12-pane sashes in early C18 opening with keyed lintel on ground floor left. Other renewed sashes with glazing bars in old chamfered surrounds; one blocked chamfered window. Renewed stone end stacks. Left return has blocked doorway with chamfered surround; small 2-light mullioned window to left. Stone stack carried on 4 corbels at present attic level and small chamfered window on right.

Interior; stone newel stair in turret; doorways with flattened triangular heads and initials N.T. to ground and 1st floors; chamfered beams. 1st floor fireplace with chamfered surround, cut-back keystone. Old roof timbers re-set c.1914: 4 principal-rafter trusses with collars. 2 levels of purlins.

Listing NGR: NZ1235890419