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Oble Terrace is shown on 1851 Alnwick Environs Map. Nearby, a tannery is shown on an 1827 map of Alnwick as belonging to Mr Thew. It does not appear on an 1867 map, which instead shows a malthouse in the same area.

The railway reached Alnwick in 1850, bringing excursions and increased traffic. Visitors sought out Bondgate Tower, alongside the Percy Tenantry Column, the Castle, and Hulne Park as attractions that they didn’t want to miss. By 1865 Bondgate Tower had become both an obstruction to traffic and a tourist attraction. At the time, Tower Lane narrowed as it approached Clayport. By removing the obstruction traffic passing between the station and Clayport would be able to avoid Bondgate, using Hotspur Street, Green Batt and Tower Lane. This idea must have gone down well with the new Duke. After further correspondence he consented to take down a house occupied Mr Strafford on the corner of Tower Lane and Clayport; and to widen and improve the Clayport entrance into Alnwick, at his own expense. He sought (and received) assurances that by doing this he could avoid any further application for the removal of Bondgate Tower or alterations in the vicinity.