Ford Castle Flagpole Tower And Forecourt Wall Attached To North

Ford Castle Flagpole Tower and the forecourt wall attached to the north are significant historical structures. The tower was originally the south-west corner tower of the quadrilateral castle but is now detached. It connects to the present house, Ford Castle, by a forecourt wall approximately 30 yards long. The tower dates back to the 14th century, with a license to crenellate granted in 1338. The lower sections of the forecourt wall consist of curtain walling from the castle, while the parapet was added in 1791 by Nisbet. The tower underwent restoration, and its top floor was renewed in 1862. It is constructed of squared stone and features a Welsh slate roof.

The square tower has five storeys plus a basement. The east side includes two 18th-century doors with four-centred arches and hoodmoulds, along with a blocked lancet window on the first floor. Above the first floor, there is a chamfered offset. On the second floor, a blocked 18th-century window and a 19th-century two-light mullioned window can be found. The north side features 19th-century stone steps leading to a possibly original first-floor doorway with a pointed arch and continuous chamfer. A platform at the top of the steps is supported by two large triple-set corbels. The tower also has 19th-century two-light windows and stone water spouts.

Inside, the basement is notable for its pointed tunnel vault, which is supported by five square-section transverse ribs.