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Crickhowell Tower

Also known as, or recorded in historical documents as;
The Ivy Tower

In the community of Crickhowell.
In the historic county of Brecknockshire.
Modern authority of Powys.
Preserved county of Powys.

OS Map Grid Reference: SO217183
Latitude 51.85817° Longitude -3.13699°

Crickhowell Tower has been described as a Pele Tower although is doubtful that it was such, and also as a Urban Defence although is doubtful that it was such.

There are masonry footings remains.

This is a Grade 2* listed building protected by law*.

Description

Supposed medieval tower adjoining multiperiod house. Probably a post medieval folly though may incorporate, overlie or possibly reuse material from an earlier structure. Probably not related to Alisby's Castle. Subject of emergency survey (RCAM 1984) after apparent medieval features discovered during restoration of PAR 5367A. (Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust HER)

A round or semi-circular stone tower, with gothic openings. Once thought to be an outlying castle gatetower (see NPRN 92110) and more recently identified as a late eighteenth-early nineteenth century picturesque folly associated with Ivy Tower House (NPRN 25291). The 'Warden's Cottage' (NPRN 16395), given a gothic makeover at the same time, can be regarded as part of the same composition. Both the house and Tower Lane are named for it. Sources: OS Record Card SO 21 NW 5 CADW Listed Buildings Database (7265). (Coflein)

Beside the road, in front of the Wardens Cottage and L-plan range. Remains of a C14 tower formerly part of an outer gateway to Crickhowell Castle; considerable late C18/early C19 Picturesque alterations to a folly. Rounded right-hand rubble tower survives to a height of 2-storeys, later crenellated parapet with plain copings. Variuos openings including one medieval window facing the road with semicircular head over paired cusped lights. Crenellated wall adjoins to left with similar window and boarded door; low remains of left hand gate tower now forms garden wall to Warden's cottage. Small section of contemporary rubble wall with jamb stone beyond the right hand tower. (Listed Building Report)
Comments

A very doubtful feature but the foundations might just be part of the possible town defences of Crickhowell or a small defended tower.
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Sources of information, references and further reading
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This record last updated before 1 February 2016


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