Preston Tower

Preston Tower, Prestonpans
©2011 Gazetteer for Scotland

Located in E Prestonpans, Preston Tower is ruined six-storey tower built in the 15th Century A plain, essentially square tower at its lower levels, it shows remarkable renaissance flourishes in its upper two storeys, which were added during the 17th Century and then formed the primary living quarters. The lower portion shows simple windows, probably altered from original slits, while, above the corbelled parapet, finely carved pedimented windows can be observed.

The Tower was burned by Protector Somerset (the Earl of Hertford) in 1544 and again by Oliver Cromwell in 1650. It was the home of the Hamilton family until, following a further accidental fire in 1663, they moved out in favour of the new Preston House and recently-completed Hamilton House.

Today, the tower sits in a small park, with an arcade of young trees and a 17th Century lectern doocot.

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