North Watch Tower

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

.Small stone built watch tower adjacent River Roe at the eastern edge of the Roe Bleach Green. Diameter two metres. Height 2.2m to roof edge. Roof corbelled sharp edged field stone in a flattened segmental dome. Walls larger smooth edged stone probably from the nearby river. Size only suitable for one person.

Entrance slot 500mm wide on western side facing towards mill buildings (HB02/03/013) small window on north western side 500mm square. One symmetrical with the door to the south west.

Building is located among mature trees on the Roe River bank in a very picturesque
setting.

Historical information

Indicated on the Ordnance Survey Map of 1831. Part of the structures associated with the adjacent bleach green opened in 1766 by Lesley Alexander and closed in 1831. The building and a second tower to the south were required to ensure supervision of the bleaching linen laid out on the green from straying animals and thieves. The building was rebuilt from its foundations in the mid 1970s by the Country Park.

N.B. Bleach green beside tower is misleading as it appears today. Before 1980s there were two millraces crossing the field, one dating from the time of the towers see (HB02/03/012B).

References:

OSS 1830
Ordnance Survey Map 1831
Electricity from the Red River NIE p.8.
Roe Valley Country Park Visitors’ Guide p.9

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A well restored and maintained example of a bleach green watch tower. Picturesquely located it is now a rare feature which deserves to be preserved. Of architectural interest for its construction particularly the corbelled roof. Of historical interest as a remnant of the once important linen industry of the River Roe. One of a pair supervising the same green (see HB02.03.014B).