The Octagon, Seaton Sluice

The Tower House Gallery (also known as the 'Octagon') in Seaton Sluice was built in the early-to-mid 18th century for use as His Majesty’s Revenue Office and also the harbour masters house. The Delaval family funded the building and its design was possibly by Sir John Vanbrugh who built the nearby Seaton Delaval Hall, but there is no documentary proof of this. There is a local story that Wellington and the other Admirals had a meeting here during the Napoleonic Wars. In the 19th century the building was used as a public reading room, and by the 20th century was being used as a residential house. Today the building is an art gallery with a resident artist. The Octagon is a Grade II listed building.