The property was first recorded as Vicars Pele, a pele tower in the occupation of the Rector of Elsdon in 1415.[1] There is nearby a medieval motte and bailey castle, which was built by Robert de Umfraville and is known as Elsdon Castle.[2]
The tower originally contained four storeys, was reduced in the 17th century to only three with a steeply sloping roof above a castellated parapet.[3] It is 13.15 by 9.4 metres (43.1 ft × 30.8 ft), with the longer side running from west-north-west to east-south-east. The walls are about 2.6 metres (8 ft 6 in) thick. It has a timber roof.[4][5] The parapets display the crest of the Umfraville family, who lived in the area but abandoned Eldon Castle for Harbottle Castle.[6]
Subsequent buildings have been adjoined on the north and west of the tower.[4] Between 1820–1826, Archdeacon Singleton built an entrance porch and a two-storey, two-bayed house extension.[1][3][5]
The tower was Grade I listed in 1953.[1] It was in use as the Rectory until 1960.[3] It was fully renovated and restored between 1995 and 1998, which included a significant amount of archaeological research during the works.[4] The only remaining features of the original 15th century construction are a garderobe and fireplace on the original first floor.[5] The tower is closed to the public but access is available to view it from nearby.[7]
