Bite-about Pele facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bite-about |
|
|---|---|
| Printonan Hill, Fogo, Berwickshire Scotland | |
The remains of Bite-about
|
|
 Bite-about
|
|
| Coordinates | 55°42′49″N 2°20′44″W / 55.7135°N 2.3456°W |
| Type | Pele tower or Bastle house |
| Height | 2m present day |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Private |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Condition | ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | 16th century |
| Built by | Clan Trotter |
| In use | 16th–17th centuries |
| Materials | Stone |
Bite-about is a very old, ruined stone building in Scotland. It's a special kind of fortified house known as a pele tower or bastle house. You can find its remains on Printonan Hill, near the villages of Fogo and Swinton, in an area called Berwickshire.
What is Bite-about?
Bite-about is either a pele tower or a Bastle house. These were strong stone buildings built in the 1500s and 1600s, especially in areas near the border between Scotland and England. They were like mini-castles or fortified farmhouses. People used them to protect themselves, their families, and their animals from raiders and attackers. They had thick walls and small windows, making them very difficult to break into.
A Look Back in Time
Bite-about was built in the 16th century, which means it's over 400 years old! It was constructed by the Trotter family, and it's still owned by them today. Imagine a building that has stayed in the same family for centuries!
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Bite-about" is quite unusual, and it comes from a fascinating story. During a time when the building was surrounded by enemies, the people inside were running out of food. To make sure everyone got something, they shared their last bits of food "a bite at a time." This act of sharing and bravery gave the building its unique and memorable name.
Where is it?
Bite-about is located in the parish of Eccles, which is in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. It sits between the villages of Fogo and Swinton, just south of a larger town called Duns. Today, it's a quiet ruin, a reminder of a time when life in the Scottish Borders was much more dangerous.
