Lilburn Tower

1829 January 3. The foundation stone of a new and mansion-house, to be executed in the Gothic style, for John William Collingwood esq ., at Lilburn Tower, near Wooler, in Northumberland, was laid with much ceremony. About one o’clock, Mr. Collingwood, accompanied by several gentlemen and large body of peasantry arrived, when Mr. C., with an elegant silver trowel, proceeded to perform the ceremony, under the direction of Mr. John Dobson, the architect who exhibited several highly finished drawings of the intended structure. Under the stone were deposited two glass vessels, one containing the different coins were deposited two glass vessels one containing the different coins of the reign of George IV., the other a newspaper of the 3rd January, together with a MS containing the following names Robert Hall, Alnwick mason; Thomas Wallace and Sons, Newcastle, carpenters and joiners; Ralph Dodds, Newcastle plasterer; Robert Wallace, clerk of the works. Both vessels were sealed with the arms of Collingwood. A glass plate was also inclosed of very curious workmanship, done by Pellat and Green, London, patentees of incrustation, bearing the following inscription:- “The foundation stone of this building, Lilburn Tower, was laid by Henry John William Collingwood esq., on the 3rd January, 1829, being the anniversary of his marriage with Frances Carnaby Haggerston - John Dobson esq., architect Newcastle.” After the ceremony the whole of the party joined in three times three cheers; after which, “Prosperity to the house of Collingwood and success to the building.” Mr C. and his friends then retired to a dinner provided on the occasion. The workmen and the neighbouring people were plentifully regaled with bread and cheese and strong ale &c.

From: J. Sykes. Local records; or, Historical register of remarkable events which have occurred in Northumberland and Durham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Berwick-upon-Tweed..., published 1833.