1) The north-east corner tower of the walled town is named as Polymond Tower in the 1454 terrier. Much of the surviving masonry is characteristic 14th century work, although Wacher's excavations in 1957 suggest that it may be earlier. It was named from John Polymond, the late 14th century mayor. It was also called St. Denys Tower by virtue of the priory's responsibility for its maintenance. The tower was a much taller structure in the 18th century than it is now. At that time it was in three stages and stood 28 feet high (image 2). The upper part was removed in 1828-29.
2) By the early 17th century the name was also given to the next tower to the south (now missing). In a lease of 1616 this is called ‘Pollimons Tower’ and said to be 129 feet from the corner tower of St. Denys. Deeds of 1648/9 and 1711 repeat this distinction.
Polymond Tower
Polymond Tower in 1941. The upper part of the tower was removed in 1827-1828.
Polymond Tower×
Polymond Tower
An engraving from a watercolour by Edward Dayes, c.1794
Polymond Tower×
Further reading:
Medieval Southampton, by Colin Platt, p131, 173, 174. (HS/h)
Historic Buildings of Southampton, by Philip Peberdy, p13. (HS/k)
Southampton Occasional Notes, by ‘Townsman’, p70, 72. (HS/h)
Southampton Occasional Notes, 2nd Series, by ‘Townsman’, p7. (HS/h)
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