Shilla Hill Bastle

The fragmentary remains of Shilla Hill bastle mark the site of one of Northumberland's unique historic building types, a bastle or defensible farmhouse dating from the mid fifteenth century. In the more open landscape of the past the bastle would have been visible from similar bastles at Waterhead and Boghead, and owners would aid each other against roaming bands of 'rievers' intent on stealing livestock. One late sixteenth century owner of Shilla Hill Bastle called Hodge Corby, or Corbit Jack was killed by Scots after accompanying his neighbour from Boghead Bastle on an expedition over the border to retrieve stolen sheep.

We provided the professional lead for conserving the historic ruin, a scheduled ancient monument, the work including cutting out the roots of a large tree that had become established on the walls over many years. The thick rubble walls were clay tamped using local Kielder clay and repointed using hydraulic lime based mortar. They were finished with a clay and turf capping to protect them in a reversible, sustainable way that should insulate and protect the wallheads in a way that should ensure they remain visible to visitors and 'rievers' trail' enthusiasts, yet continue to harbour lizards, toads, adders, field mice and other wildlife which enjoys the special environment provided by the ruin.