Black Middens Bastle House

Bastle Bellingham Northumberland

Black Middens Bastle House

Bastle In Bellingham, Northumberland

A ruined bastle and cottage located in a remote area of Bellingham.

Border reiving, plundering and robbery were commonplace between the 13th and 17th century and so the local farmers would protect themselves and their livestock by fortifying their farmhouse with thick walls.

Built in the 16th century the Black Middens Bastle House lies 11km away from Bellingham in a remote area of Northumberland. The family would have lived on the upper floor with the cattle being kept downstairs.

Right next to the bastle is an 18th-century stone cottage.

It's in an incredible remote area, so it's hard to imagine the trepidation the locals must have felt with marauding reivers roaming their land.

The house, cottage, and grounds are now owned and managed by the English Heritage.

Thanks to Linda White for these lovely photographs.

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Where Is Black Middens Bastle House

Where Is It?

What three words
compacts.transmitted.spot

Lat / Long
55.203657, -2.358017
Show Place On Google Maps

From the car park it's just a 2 minute walk up the slope. Approx 200m.


Where To Park?

What three words
glimmers.townhouse.fortunes

Lat / Long
55.202175, -2.359481

Show Parking On Google Maps

There is a small nearby carpark with an information board.

Simon Hawkins

Contributed by Simon Hawkins

Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue Pele tower up a remote hill or a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.

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