Black Middens Bastle House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Middens Bastle House |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
Black Middens Bastle
|
|
| General information | |
| Location | Northumberland, England, UK |
| Coordinates | 55°12′13″N 2°21′29″W / 55.2036°N 2.3580°W |
| OS grid | NY773900 |
The Black Middens Bastle House is a very old, strong stone farmhouse. It's found about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Bellingham in Northumberland, England. This special building was made in the 1500s. It has two floors and very thick walls. People built bastle houses like this to stay safe during dangerous times.
Contents
What is a Bastle House?
A bastle house is a type of fortified farmhouse. This means it was built like a small castle to protect the people and their animals. They were common along the border between England and Scotland. These areas were often unsafe hundreds of years ago.
Life Inside a Bastle
Life in a bastle house was simple but safe.
- Downstairs: The ground floor was usually for animals like cows and sheep. Their warmth helped to heat the house.
- Upstairs: The family lived on the second floor. This floor was safer from attacks. It was harder for raiders to get to the people upstairs.
Staying Safe from Reivers
The main reason for bastle houses was protection from "border reivers." These were groups of people who would raid farms. They would steal livestock and other valuable things. The thick stone walls of a bastle house made it very hard for reivers to break in. Farmers could hide inside until the danger passed.
The Black Middens Story
The Black Middens Bastle House is a great example of these strong homes. Over time, the house changed a bit.
Changes Over Time
- The first door was blocked up.
- Three new doors were added later.
- An outside staircase was built to reach the upper floor.
- Sadly, the original roof is now gone.
Next to the bastle house, there is also a stone cottage. This cottage was built much later, in the 1700s.
Visiting Black Middens Bastle
Today, the Black Middens Bastle House, the cottage, and the land around them are looked after by English Heritage. This group helps to protect important historical places in England. They make sure these old buildings can be enjoyed and learned about by everyone.
