Radcliffe Tower - history
Even in its present ruined condition, the Tower stands as an impressive reminder of a time when Radcliffe was a medieval manor, governed by a family who ranked amongst the most important in Lancashire. These were the de Radcliffes and it was a member of this family, James de Radcliffe, who in 1403 ordered the construction of the Tower as part of an ambitious rebuilding of his manor house.
Little is know about the manor house of Radcliffe prior to that date, although excavations in 1979-80 by the Bury Archaeology Group suggest that it stood on the site of the later buildings. Its focal point was probably a great hall, built in timber. That the pre-1403 manor house also included a stone tower, as has sometimes been supposed, remains unproven.
In 1781 an artist sketched this picture of Radcliffe Tower, the Great hall and Manor House
The 'licence to crenellate'
When James de Radcliffe planned the rebuilding of his manor house, his intention was that it should be fortified. This would mean gaining permission from the King. A 'licence to crenellate' was granted to James on the 15th of August 1403 by King Henry IV. Under its terms James was allowed to construct a new great hall and two towers and to enclose these with an outer wall. It has been a continuing debate as to whether one or two towers were built. Sketches do exist showing two, but no present or archaeological evidence exists to support the argument for two towers.
Newspaper article summarising the Tower's history.
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