Tudor Treasures of the North: A Visit to Hoghton Tower

Note: This is a show notes page accompanying my on-location podcast, recorded in autumn 2025.

An Introduction to Hoghton Tower

Hoghton Tower, located in Lancashire, is a grand fortified manor house. It was originally constructed in the 1560s–70s, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, by Thomas Hoghton. The Hoghton family can trace their roots in Lancashire to shortly after the Norman conquest. Having been granted land around the village of Hoghton, which now lies between Preston and Blackburn, they later identified as “de Hoghton” and the family name originated. It is from these estates that they established themselves as influential landowners within the county.

As across much of England, the Tudor period was marked by relative peace and prosperity, conditions that particularly benefited the gentry – those skilled in seizing opportunities to expand their businesses, estates and family alliances. Members of the gentry, at every level, displayed their growing wealth and influence through the construction of grand houses that proclaimed their social standing. Thomas Hoghton was no exception. Between 1560 and 1565, he commissioned the building of a new, substantial stone house around the family’s ancestral pele tower – the structure that gave the estate its name – creating a residence that boldly reflected the family’s wealth, status and heritage.

Built on a commanding hill with panoramic views over the Ribble Valley, the building combines defensive medieval architecture (a central courtyard, gatehouse, battlements) with the grace and symmetry typical of the Tudor Renaissance style. Whilst most Tudor gentry houses of Lancashire continued the earlier tradition of timber-framed construction, Thomas Hoghton took advantage of the abundance of good-quality stone on the site. His new build was constructed of coursed gritstone blocks with a stone-flagged roof.

During this episode, I’m joined by Keith Stevenson and Steve Spring, an expert on Apotropaic marks. Special thanks to Keith for sharing some of the history of Hoghton Tower, which I have included in these show notes. Join us as we explore this exquisite building. Below is a gallery of accompanying images taken during my on-location visit. You can listen to the podcast episode here or by clicking the button below:

Hoghton Tower Image Gallery

The inner courtyard and steps leading up to the Great Hall at Hoghton Tower
Image © The Tudor Travel Guide

The outer courtyard of Hoghton Tower
Images © The Tudor Travel Guide

A protection mark on an internal door
Images © The Tudor Travel Guide

Exterior of Hoghton Tower
Images © The Tudor Travel Guide

Useful Links

Visiting information for Hoghton Tower is here.

If you have a few days in the area, the following places might be of interest to you:
Samlesbury Hall (4 miles) – guided tours are available on Sundays- info here
Astley Hall (8 miles)
Rufford Old Hall (16 miles)
Speke Hall (49 miles)
Little Moreton Hall (58 miles)