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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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.
What three words
glimmers.townhouse.fortunes
Lat / Long
55.202175, -2.359481
There is a small nearby carpark with an information board.
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.
A spectacular waterfall at the head of a forest walk.
A ruined bastle which may not have been a bastle after all.
A ruined, Grade II listed Scheduled Monument, 16th Century Tower House / Bastle House.
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