Killhopeburn Shieling (Killhope)
Killhopeburn Shieling © Ryder, P 2006
Killhopeburn Shieling © Ryder, P 2006
Killhopeburn Shieling © Ryder, P 2006
Killhopeburn Shieling © Ryder, P 2006
Killhopeburn Shieling © Ryder, P 2006
Killhopeburn Shieling © Ryder, P 2006
Killhopeburn Shieling © Ryder, P 2006
Killhopeburn is a deserted farmstead on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map is listed as 'Killhope House' , 'Killhopeburn' on subsequent OS maps but 'Killhopeburn Shieling' in the 1987.
The old building, now boarded up (2006) and in very poor condition, consists of a single range aligned north-west to south-east (hereafter north-south) and c22.5m by 6.5m externally. The west wall has been rebuilt, however, the central section of the range remains a structure of considerable importance, as one of the earliest vernacular houses to survive in the dale.
It may not have been a conventional bastle, although it seems likely that the basement was non-domestic; it is possible that there was always a stair leading to the upper floor; both basement and first floor were well-provided with stone wall lockers. A second upper-floor house was soon built into the south end, of which only the east wall survives. At some stage the original structure received a full second floor, and then the southern house was extended and remodelled, still as a first-floor dwelling, perhaps towards the end of the 18th century and later still the north end of the range was built. It is not clear when the house was abandoned.
The old building, now boarded up (2006) and in very poor condition, consists of a single range aligned north-west to south-east (hereafter north-south) and c22.5m by 6.5m externally. The west wall has been rebuilt, however, the central section of the range remains a structure of considerable importance, as one of the earliest vernacular houses to survive in the dale.
It may not have been a conventional bastle, although it seems likely that the basement was non-domestic; it is possible that there was always a stair leading to the upper floor; both basement and first floor were well-provided with stone wall lockers. A second upper-floor house was soon built into the south end, of which only the east wall survives. At some stage the original structure received a full second floor, and then the southern house was extended and remodelled, still as a first-floor dwelling, perhaps towards the end of the 18th century and later still the north end of the range was built. It is not clear when the house was abandoned.
D3954
Elizabethan (1558 to 1603)
21st Century (2001 to 2100)
21st Century (2001 to 2100)
Defensible Buildings in County Durham Survey 2005 - 2006; Peter Ryder, Historic Building Consultant
Disclaimer -
Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.