Preston Tower was originally a late 14th century stone rectangular hall house, founded by Robert Harbottle. This was a real stronghold not just a pele tower, three storeys high and flanked by projecting angle turrets, with pointed tunnel-vaulted chambers on each of the floors. In 1864, Henry Robert Baker-Cresswell restored the ruined tower, which was in use as a farm building. The southern end was converted into a clock tower, a new rear wall was erected and a clock positioned centrally on the second floor of the north and south connecting walls. 4 miles north-east is Beadnell Tower and 4 miles south-east is Embleton Tower.