Whitton Peel Tower

Whitton Peel tower is a fine example of a Northumberland 'Vicar's peel'. Constructed in the 14th century as the residence of the rectors of nearby Rothbury, it is unique in having two stone vaulted floors supported on walls up to 3m (9 feet) thick. The upper part was added in the 15th century and various alterations and additions in the 18th and 19th centuries. It became a childrens' hospital in the early 20th century but returned to a private dwelling in the 1990s. However after years of intermittent use the sandstone chimneys had decayed to the point where some of them were in danger of collapse, while the disused flues were blocked by generations of Jackdaws' nests. In the pictures below, the build up of damaging sulphates, and the resulting acid-erosion of the sandstone is clearly visible.

Robin Kent Architecture & Conservation prepared a report on the defects, assisted in seeking grant funding and went on to specify the repairs and obtain competitive tenders from selected stonemasons, the work including cleaning out, lining and capping the flues to prevent rainwater (and birds) penetrating, and replacing the decayed stones with matching new sandstone. The work has ensured the conservation of this key feature of the peel tower as well as its safety and functionality.

Historic chimneys can be especially vulnerable to sulphate attack and acid erosion, and often lack adequate weatherings and need re-lining. However, they can offer the possibility of sustainable heating, eg. using wood burning fires and stoves, and may be important visually, so are always worth conserving.