What is "ninebanks"

Ninebanks is a small village in south west Northumberland, England in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty north-east of Alston by road. It is noted for the early sixteenth century Ninebanks Tower, sometimes described as a pele tower, but possibly built as a watchtower. It is made of sandstone and has four floors, the lowest of which is now below the level of the road. There is an independently run Ninebanks Youth Hostel, which is actually in nearby Mohope.