Black Middens Bastle, nr. Gatehouse, Tarset Valley, Northumberland, England

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16th century two storey fortified farmhouse, with only the roof and floor missing. Livestock were kept on the ground floor and people lived above. Original gable door has been blocked and the two ground floor doors and the external stone steps to the living quarters above, are later additions. The remote Tarset valley was a frequent route and target for raids and has other surviving bastle houses, often converted in more peaceful times.

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Size: 5472px × 4468px
Location: Near Gatehouse, Tarset Valley, Northumberland, England
Photo credit: © Brownlow Brothers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: bastle, borders, defence, farmhouse, fortified, protection, reivers, warfare