Black Middens Bastle House

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.

Set in splendid walking country, on the Reivers Route cycle trail. 

The remains of a similar building (not in the care of English Heritage) stand nearby, while a mile away is a group of three bastles, all still roofed. Little is known of the history of this site and there appears to be only one surviving documentary reference to Black Middens, in 1583, when it seems to have come under attack in a raid by the Armstrong family.

Many bastles were occupied until the 19th century, long after Border disturbances had ended. It is likely that Black Middens and the adjacent buildings were used as farmsteads into the 20th century.