Listing Text

DENWICK HULNE PARK
NU 11 SE
10/57 Alnwick Abbey
31.12.69 Gatehouse (formerly
listed as part of
Alnwick Abbey)
GV I

Gatehouse of Premonstratensian Abbey. Late C14, with some minor late C18/C19
alterations and restoration. Ashlar; Lakeland slate roof. Rectangular 2-
storey block with projecting taller angle turrets. Perpendicular style.

North (formerly external) front: Gothick panelled double doors under moulded
segmental arch, with small recesses to each side and 2 niches above, the lower
with worn statue. Machicolated parapet with shields and moulded crenellations.
Flanking turrets, corbelled out at different levels, have small loops, some
with trefoiled ogee heads. Single storey block on right, probably post-medieval,
with 2 small loops.

South front shows similar arch with 2-light transomed window above. Flat-
pointed doorways in turrets, that to right blocked; left turret has 2-light
transomed window with cusped heads to lights and metal lattice casements.

East side has deeply-recessed centre with blocked 4-centred arch under canopied
niche, with transomed and traceried 2-light windows above and in turret to
right; carved hoodmould stops and heraldry on turrets and machicolated parapet.
West side shows small loops and corbelled-out garderobe below parapet.

Interior: Segmental barrel vault over gate passage. Straight mural stair to
1st floor in west wall, and full-height newel stair in south-east turret.
4-centred arched doorways to stairs and turret chambers.

Historical Notes. Abbey founded in 1147 by Eustace Fitz-John; famous for its
relics, the foot of Simon de Montfort and the chalice of St. Thomas of
Canterbury. The main buildings lay south of the gatehouse; after excavation
in 1884 the plan was marked out but is now only traceable with difficulty.

W.H. St. John Hope, article in Archaeol.J. XLIV (1887) 337-46.

Listing NGR: NU1786214072