The Three Towers, Dallam Tower Estate, Cumbria

The Dallam Tower Estate contains three medieval towers of considerable archaeological importance: Arnside Tower (SD 4591 7689), Beetham Hall (SD 4997 7905), and Hazelslack Tower (SD 4761 7882). All of the towers are Listed Buildings
and Scheduled Monuments and therefore considered to be of national historic significance, and all are in a poor condition and thought to be in need of maintenance as well as requiring a plan for future maintenance and use. Hazelslack and Arnside Towers are both on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register.

A proposal was presented by Lancaster University Archaeological Unit (LUAU) to compile a management plan for three towers in the Dallam Tower Estate. After lengthy negotiations involving English Heritage, South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council, the Dallam Tower Estate and the Arnside/Silverdale AONB, the proposal was accepted. A project design funded by English Heritage,
South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria County Council was produced by LUAU in 2000. In 2001 LUAU became Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) and it was OA North that carried out the project in 2004 and 2005.

The aim of this management plan is to examine the remains of each of the towers and assess their condition and significance, both structural and historical. Their
importance within the local landscape in terms of their utility and value have also been assessed through consultation with various affiliated organisations.

The management plan sets out not only the ways in which the towers are significant and of value, but ways in which these features can be maintained and, where possible, enhanced, to the benefit of both the Dallam Tower Estate, visiting members of the public, and interested researchers. A condition survey carried out as a key part of the management plan also outlined the areas in which conservation and repair were required and ways that a planned sequence of future maintenance could be carried out.

The heritage potential of the three towers, comprising their condition, amenity value and significance is detailed as part of the management plan. Utilising this information,
areas requiring further work in terms of both repairs to the towers, and ways to enhance their utility to the variety of people who interact and benefit from them, are also presented.