A licence to crenelate was granted to John Cockerham, Abbot of Furness Abbey, in1327 to fortify his house on the island in Barrow harbour. In 1403 the pele tower was taken apart by Abbot John de Bolton, because of the high cost of its upkeep. The destruction of the tower was in contravention of an agreement made between Abbot Cockerham and King Stephen.