Belford West Hall (Belford with Middleton)
[NU 10293398] Moat [NR]. (1)
Westhall is the site of a tower or 'fortilage'. Remains of a moat can be traced, and the inequalities of the ground mark the foundations of a building. Human bones and a pair of 15th century spurs were found some years ago by workmen enlarging the mill pond, formerly part of the moat. (2)
Listed in 1415. (3)
No building foundations are now visible. The north east angle and eastern arm of the moat have been obliterated by the modern farm, and the remainder greatly reduced by ploughing, so that virtually only the southern arm and south west angle survive. Published survey (25 inch) revised. (4)
Condition unchanged. (5)
Belford West Hall NU 104340. Listed under 'Moated Sites in Northumberland'. (6)
The 'castrum de Beleford', which existed as early as 1416, is now West Hall Farmhouse. (7)
There may have been a motte and bailey here in the late 11th century, but the first recorded building was an unfortified manor house which Edward III spent the night in on his return form the Battle of Halidon Hill, 1333. By 1415 the manor house had been replaced by the `Castrum de Beleford', a strong tower. The moat was dug at this time as part of the building's defences. (8a)
Listed by King. (8b)
Westhall is the site of a tower or 'fortilage'. Remains of a moat can be traced, and the inequalities of the ground mark the foundations of a building. Human bones and a pair of 15th century spurs were found some years ago by workmen enlarging the mill pond, formerly part of the moat. (2)
Listed in 1415. (3)
No building foundations are now visible. The north east angle and eastern arm of the moat have been obliterated by the modern farm, and the remainder greatly reduced by ploughing, so that virtually only the southern arm and south west angle survive. Published survey (25 inch) revised. (4)
Condition unchanged. (5)
Belford West Hall NU 104340. Listed under 'Moated Sites in Northumberland'. (6)
The 'castrum de Beleford', which existed as early as 1416, is now West Hall Farmhouse. (7)
There may have been a motte and bailey here in the late 11th century, but the first recorded building was an unfortified manor house which Edward III spent the night in on his return form the Battle of Halidon Hill, 1333. By 1415 the manor house had been replaced by the `Castrum de Beleford', a strong tower. The moat was dug at this time as part of the building's defences. (8a)
Listed by King. (8b)
N5114
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1964; W D Johnston
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1968; B H Pritchard
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1968; B H Pritchard
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