The tiny village of Bewcastle is in bandit country between Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish border. Its history and various buildings in the area are testimony to the violent past here. The Romans built a turf and wood fort here circa 79AD as an outpost beyond Hadrian’s Wall. This was levelled in 343AD, rebuilt in stone, and destroyed again in 367AD, although the vestiges of the fortifications can still be seen. In 1092 a Norman fort was built, making use of the Roman ditches, by a warrior named Beuth. This was a wooden construction, later enclosed in a wall using stone from the decayed Roman fort, a tradition continued in the next incarnation of the stronghold (the one to be seen today) in the 14th century by John de Strivelyn. After the Act of Union the border wars ceased, but there were continued troubles with reiver families feuding and stealing one another’s (and anyone else’s) cattle and sheep. There are small pele towers and larger bastles (fortified farmhouses) dotting the countryside, witnesses to the raids by Nixons, Armstrongs, Elliots and Musgraves. Even the church, built in 1277, rebuilt in 1792 and again in 1901, got into the act, with several early rectors being reivers in their spare time. The churchyard contains a magnificent 7th century Saxon cross, the finest in Europe even though the cross-piece is missing. This was possibly made by Syrian masons, with images of John the Baptist, Christ in the Wilderness, and possibly St John. Local legend proudly proclaims that only women were buried in Bewcastle churchyard – the men of the area all being hanged in Carlisle. Today the area offers quiet walking (unless planes are flying from the nearby RAF station), good birding – there are buzzards, lapwings and curlews in the surrounding moorland – and pretty cottages to stay in.
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Places to Stay near Bewcastle
The Hill on the Wall (6.01 miles)
In an outstanding hilltop location overlooking the Irthing Valley and just 300 yards from the Hadrian's Wall National Trail at Birdoswald in Cumbria, this listed 16th century fortified farmhouse, or 'bastle', has three letting rooms. ... More | visit website
Ald Pallyards & Newpallyards (6.20 miles)
New Pallyards is a small farm of 65 acres set in the idyllic countryside of the North East of Cumbria. The accommodation comprises a converted farmhouse and self catering cottages. ... More
Tantallon House (6.39 miles)
Craigburn Farmhouse (6.55 miles)
Geoffrey and Louise offer a warm Cumbrian welcome to our farmhouse set in quiet country side in the beautiful border country.Six tastefully modernized, individually furnished bedrooms provide all the comfort ... More
Bessiestown (6.55 miles)
Howard Arms Hotel (6.66 miles)
The Hotel is family owned and operated, we offer modern English food in relaxed dining area, with log fires and traditional hospitality. Situated in the quiet Market town of Brampton the hotel offers excellent accommodation, ... More | visit website
Sands House (6.66 miles)
Bush Nook Cottage (6.91 miles)
Situated in the heart of Hadrian's Wall country, Bush Nook is the perfect venue for a short break with friends or family.
A wonderful area for walking or cycling, you ... More | visit website
Calvert Trust Kielder (7.36 miles)
Holmhead Guest House (7.70 miles)
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