the heritage of bewcastle...
An unusual Roman fort, an exceptional Anglian cross and the gaunt remains of a Norman castle all lie in one small part of Bewcastle.
Bewcastle Castle (NY 565 746)
After the Norman Conquest, a timber fortification was erected in the north-eastern corner of the Roman fort. It was given to Bueth, who in all probability was a local chieftain loyal to the Norman overlords. The castle was later re-built in stone but was said to be ‘in great ruine and decaye' by 1604. An on-site information panel describes the layout and history of the castle. Leaflet available from Demesne Farm (next door).
Birdoswald Roman Fort and Visitor Centre (NY 615 663)
Gilsland,
Brampton,
CA8 7DD
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Birdoswald Fort, on its lonely windswept plateau, commands stunning views over the Irthing valley to the Lake District Fells. The fort was linked to its northern outpost at Bewcastle by the Maiden Way. Recent excavations have uncovered a drill hall, granary and three of the gateways to the fort. A well-preserved section of the Wall leads from the fort to Willowford Bridge. More of Birdoswald's 2000-year history can be discovered in the Visitor Centre. Tearoom and picnic areas. Admission charge. Open Easter-30 September, 10.00-5.30 daily (last admission 5.00); October, 10.00-4.00.
Bewcastle Fort (NY 565 746)
This northern outpost was built by the Romans around AD 122 and linked to Hadrian's Wall by the Maiden Way (via the signal station at Gillalees Beacon). The fort is unusual in having six sides rather than the usual four due to space limitations. On Roman withdrawal around 400 AD, the fort slowly fell into decay.
Bewcastle Cross, St Cuthbert's Church (NY 565 745)
www.bewcastle.com
Within this remote part of Cumbria stands one of the county's greatest treasures - the Alcfrith Cross, erected sometime in the late 7th century. With its intricate knot and scrollwork, runic inscriptions and carvings of figures, it is regarded as the finest Anglian cross in England. The three figures on the cross-shaft depict St John the Baptist (top) Christ (middle) and St John the Evangelist (bottom), and make a highly visible statement about Christianity and the extension of Anglian authority into Cumbria from neighbouring Northumberland. It is thought the cross was erected in memory of King Alcfrith of Deira (Northumbria), who reigned from 641 to 670 AD. St Cuthbert's Church, Bewcastle (NY 565 745)
www.bewcastle.com
The church stands within the perimeter of a Roman fort and is unusual in having no windows on its northern side - presumably to keep out the cold north winds. It was first built around 1277 (probably to replace an earlier building), rebuilt in 1792 and then altered to its present form in 1901. The graveyard contains the names of notable Border Reiver clans, including Armstrong, Elliott, Nixon and Routledge among others. A small heritage centre in the churchyard provides information on the Roman fort, Anglian Cross, Norman castle and Bewcastle Reiver connections.
