The Bailie

Has been described as a Possible Pele Tower, and also as a Possible Bastle

There are no visible remains

NameThe Bailie
Alternative NamesYe Baile; Bailey; Balyhead; Baileyhead
Historic CountryCumberland
Modern AuthorityCumbria
1974 AuthorityCumbria
Civil ParishBewcastle

A map in the British Museum, dated December 1590, has marked 'Ye Bailie' with a tower symbol. It is marked on the map immediately south of the confluence of Black Leuen and White Leuen (the Black and White Lyne) but the related positions of other towers, particularly Troughead (NY47NE6) and Comcrook (NY57SW2) suggest that the name White Leuen has been applied to that part of the Black Lyne eastwards of its confluence with Bailey Water. If this was so the map would indicate a position for this tower in the vicinity of Low Todholes (NY 519777)

There are no remains or any local knowledge of a tower in the area of Low Todholes (Field Investigators Comments–F1 BHP 02-APR-7).

A divination survey was undertaken in 1982 to the rear of Snouts Farm at NY518768. Further site identification required (Perriam and Robinson). (PastScape)

Gatehouse Comments

Several site proposed, Rear of Snouts Farm at NY518768. Peelsteads field or the Nook at NY520777 (although that suggestion can be dismissed). A reading of the crude map and consideration of stopping raiders returning with stolen cattle suggests the location should be around NY516777 where two fords (The Breakings) would be controlled. However, such house were mainly sited for other reasons (agricultural and tenurial) so further investigation certainly required. Perriam and Robinson do not do themselves any credit by including a 'plan' based on the hokum of a divining survey. Quite what is meant by the symbols on the Aglionby Platt is uncertain but a defensive building of some sort is probable. This could include three storey chamber blocks attached to halls (pele towers) or solidly built farmhouses of two storeys (bastles).

- Philip Davis

Not scheduled

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceNY516777
Latitude55.0913581848145
Longitude-2.75986003875732
Eastings351000
Northings577000
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Perriam, Denis and Robinson, John, 1998, The Medieval Fortified Buildings of Cumbria (Kendal: CWAAS Extra Series 29) p. 45
  • King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol. 1 p. 92
  • Armstrong, A.M., 1950, The Place-Names of Cumberland, part 1 The City of Carlisle, and Eskdale, Cumberland, and Leath Wards (English Place-Name Society 20) p. 61
  • Jeffrey, A., 1864, History and Antiquities of Roxburghshire Vol. 4 p. 232 (facsimile of map) online copy

Journals

  • Jones, C.P., 1969, 'King James I and the Western Border' Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society Vol. 69 p. 129-51 online copy
  • Harrison, J.V., 1967, 'Five Bewcastle wills' Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society Vol. 67 p. 103-4, 108-9 online copy

Primary Sources

  • 1590, A Platt of the opposete Borders of Scotland to ye west marches of England (The Aglionby Platt) British Library online Gallery and [Old Cumbria Gazetteer > http://www.geog.port.ac.uk/webmap/thelakes/html/maps/m048.htm] (see also [Gatehouse Essay 'The Aglionby Platt' > http://www.gatehouse-gazetteer.info/APHome.html])