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If you’re interested in history in Cumbria, there’s plenty for you here in Bailey. Set in the ‘Debatable Lands’, Bailey was once a wild and dangerous place where the infamous Border Reivers warred for 350 years. Earlier still, the area was once a hive of Roman activity. Their story is vividly brought to life at Carlisle’s Tullie House Museum, interpretation centres at Newcastleton and Bewcastle and other sites nearby, including the world famous Hadrian’s Wall.
Bailey is situated in the parish of Bewcastle. The site on which the church at Bewcastle stands today has been continuously inhabited for 2000 years. In roman times there was a fort suitable for a 1,000 strong infantry unit, connected to a fort on Hadrian’s Wall at Birdoswald by a road known as the Maiden Way. An Anglo-Saxon cross standing in the churchyard today is one of the finest of its genre and is evidence of occupation during the dark ages. In Norman times, a castle occupied the site and today, the church, a vicarage, farm and remains of the roman fort occupy the site.
Take a tour around the parish to discover the ruins of mediaeval summer shielings up in the moors and the remains of the peel houses, once occupied by the clans.
Discover your roots - Many of the gravestones show the coats of arms of all the old reiving families including Armstrong, Routledge, Noble and Nixon who often bore the brunt of Scottish raids.
BEWCASTLE CHURCH EXHIBITION CENTRE
The Centre is located beside the church. An exhibition explains the history of the area from prehistoric times to the present day. The church also has information leaflets and souvenirs for sale. Open: all year round from dawn to dusk.
BEWCASTLE HERITAGE SOCIETY
Midtodhills, Roadhead, Carlisle CA6 6PF
Tel: Ian James 016977 48213
e-mail: jjames@v21mail.co.uk
website: www.bewcastle.com
The Society compile books about local history cards and postcards from original photographs of wildlife, animals and the surrounding Bewcastle Fells. Also available by post.
See also www.bewcastle.com to find out more about the area.
LIDDESDALE HERITAGE CENTRE
Tel: 013873 75816
Situated in Newcastleton. An exhibition telling the story of Liddesdale, once a valley of Border raids and warfare. Open: most afternoons during the summer.
TULLIE HOUSE MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
Castle Street, Carlisle CA3 8TP
Tel: Ian James 016977 48213
e-mail: enquiries@tullie-house.co.uk
website: www.tullie-house.co.uk
Travel through time, and over 10,000 years of history in the Border Galleries with spectaclar features on Romans and Reivers.. Discover Carlisle’s underground Millennium Gallery with it’s fascinating mix of traditional and cutting edge works. View the contemporary art gallery and changing exhibtions.
BIRDOSWALD ROMAN FORT
Tel: 016977 47602
Birdoswald is one of the most spectacular locations for a Roman fort on Hadrian’s Wall. Recent excavations, gateways and fort walls can be seen. A visitor centre introduces visitors to Birdoswald’s unique 2,000 year history.
Open: Daily 1 March - 9 November 10 am - 5 pm
HADRIAN'S WALL
Tel: 01434 322002
Built in 122AD on the orders of the Emperor, the wall stretches from Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the east to the Cumbrian coast in the west. Forts and museums along the wall bring Roman history to life.
LANERCOST PRIORY
Tel: 016977 3030
The priory lies in a peaceful valley near Hadrian’s Wall. An Augustinian priory founded in 1169 built partially of stones from the roman wall. The tranquillity of Lanercost is in stark contrast to the turbulent times of the 14th century. Destroyed in the 16th century, the main nave survives as the parish church and the undercroft is intact. Fortified buildings are alongside amongst other fine Elizabethan buildings.
Open: Daily 1 April - 31 Oct 10 am - 6 pm.
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