Otterburn Tower facts for kids

Otterburn Tower is a historic building in Otterburn, Northumberland. It is now a three-star hotel. It was once known as Otterburn Castle. The tower is a Grade II listed building, meaning it is an important historic place.

It sits on 32 acres of land with deer and trees. This land is part of the Northumberland National Park in northeastern England. A cousin of William the Conqueror first built a castle here in 1086. Later, the Clan Hall owned it. In 1830, Thomas James rebuilt it using some stones from the old castle.

Where is Otterburn Tower?

Otterburn Tower is located north of Otterburn village. It is on the right side of the River Rede. The tower is inside the Northumberland National Park. You can reach it by taking the A696 road through the Redesdale valley.

Elsdon town is about 3 miles east. Cramlington is about 25 miles to the southeast. The tower is surrounded by many trees. You can walk from the tower to the moor by following a small stream. Fishing is also available along 3 miles of the River Rede. Some old burial sites marked by stone circles are nearby. Other local landmarks include Otterburn Hall and Otterburn Mill.

The History of Otterburn Tower

Otterburn Tower was built on the same spot as the original Otterburn Castle. It even used some of the old castle's stones. The first castle was built in 1086 by a relative of William the Conqueror. It was meant to help defend against attacks from the Scots.

Battles and Owners (14th-16th Centuries)

In August 1388, a famous battle happened nearby. This was the Battle of Otterburn. Scottish forces first tried to capture Otterburn Tower but failed. The next day, a fierce battle took place. It was between the English, led by Henry Percy, and the Scots, led by Earl Douglas. Percy was captured, and Douglas was killed. This battle happened about half a mile northwest of Otterburn village.

By the early 1400s, Sir Robert Umfraville owned the tower. The Clan Hall took ownership of it around the 1500s.

Changes Over Time (18th-19th Centuries)

One famous owner was Mad Jack Hall. He was involved in a rebellion and was tried five times. He was put to death in 1716. His initials are still carved above one of the original doors. He claimed he was forced to join the rebels.

In 1777, the "Percy Cross" was placed near the tower. It marks the site of the Battle of Otterburn.

In the 1860s, Thomas James owned Otterburn Castle. He was a local leader and farmer. He built Otterburn Tower over the old castle site in 1830. He used parts of an 18th-century house and some of the old castle stones. Today, no parts of the original castle remain.

William James, son of Thomas James, also lived at Otterburn Towers. He was a soldier and fought in the Crimea and the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

The 20th Century and Beyond

In 1938, Sir Archibald Woollaston White, 4th Baronet bought Otterburn Tower. He and his family lived there during most of World War II. Sir Archibald led the local Home Guard group during the war.

In 1944, the family decided to sell the estate. The army's artillery range was expanded, and guns were firing closer to the tower. The army bought most of the land for firing ranges, which it still uses today. Sir Archibald then moved to another estate.

Otterburn Tower became a Grade II listed building on January 7, 1988. This means it is protected for its historical importance.

Building Design and Features

Otterburn Tower has a castellated design, meaning it looks like a castle. Much of the building you see today was built in 1830. It included parts of an 18th-century tower and older designs. The northern corner of the modern tower still has parts of the old castle walls. The building was made larger at the back in 1904. A stable block was also added by F.W. Rich for Howard Pease.

The Grounds of Otterburn Tower

At the entrance to the tower, you can see three Roman altar stones. These stones are said to have come from Rochester. There is also the Douglas Monument, located within a small group of trees. This monument includes a large upright stone. This stone was originally a fireplace beam from the old Otterburn Castle. It was placed there when the castle was being taken down.