Northumbrian House

Northumberland used to be a lot more violent than the Wild West ever was. There was a tradition of fortified buildings (Peles and Bastles) to defend people against violence from raiders. Pursuit of cattle and sheep rustlers ("reivers") across the border was legally allowed for six days and feuds were common. On one occasion the Robsons' sheep caught scab from sheep they had rustled from the Grahams. The Robsons took revenge and hanged seven Grahams, saying "The neist time gentlemen cam to tak their schepe They are no te' be scabbit!".

 

This is not a Bastle or Pele but the solidity of this house is a reminder of the past.

Done