Black Middens Bastle House, Tarset, Bellingham, Northumberland, NE48 1NE

Details

Accessibility

The site is a 180 metre walk from the car park over uneven grassland. 

Brief description

"A fortified farmhouse with thick stone walls, of a type distinctive to the troubled 16th century Anglo-Scottish borders. The living quarters were only accessible at first floor level.

Read more about the history of the bastle house.

Black Middens is about half an hour north of Hadrian's Wall, in a remote spot in Northumberland. As is typical in this region, there are other bastle houses nearby, for added mutual security.  It is possible to view several of these on the Tarset Bastle Trail."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Middens_Bastle_House

"Black Middens Bastle House lies about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Bellingham, Northumberland.[1] It is a two-storey fortified stone farmhouse from the 16th century.[1] In times of trouble from border reivers, which were common on the English-Scottish border, farmers could hide behind its thick walls. Livestock would be kept downstairs and the farmers' families upstairs.

The original door was blocked over and three additional doors and an external staircase were eventually added, and the roof lost. Nearby on the property is an 18th-century stone cottage.[2]

The house, cottage, and grounds are owned and administered by English Heritage.[1]"

Address

Black Middens Bastle House, Tarset, Bellingham, Northumberland, NE48 1NE

Email

Phone

Website

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/black-middens-bastle-house/

Directions

"Parking: There is a small car park on a minor road - please follow the brown signs. Black Middens is about half an hour north of Hadrian's Wall, in a remote spot in Northumberland. As is typical in this region, there are other bastle houses nearby, for added mutual security.  It is possible to view several of these on the Tarset Bastle Trail."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours

Transport

Amenities

Please keep dogs on leads. Please be aware: Farm livestock is likely to be present.